2-5-10
Teaching wasn’t Coleen Lewis’ first choice.
A 1986 OHS grad, she studied hotel and restaurant managment at SUNY Delhi for two years, then business administration for another two.
Then, in 1993, she was teaching Sunday school at St. Mary’s and realized how much she enjoyed teaching children.
“Go back,” a colleague, Sue Nesbitt, told her.
She did, graduating from SUNY Oneonta in 1995 with her bachelor’s in elementary education, knowing from the start she wanted to work her way up the profession, perhaps to building principal.
She earned a master’s in library science from SUNY Albany in 2001, and a certificate in school administration at SUNY Cortland in 2008.
“My goal never changed,” said Lewis, who Wednesday, Jan. 27, was appointed principal of Center Street School by the Oneonta City School Board, effective July 1.
Lewis has worked in the Oneonta district for 14 years, from student teacher at Riverside Elementary, to licensed teaching assistant, to sixth-grade teacher at Valleyview, to library media specialist at Greater Plains.
As district’s curriculum co-ordinator, she had been acting library media specialist at Valleyview this year and discovered “I missed being with kids.”
“Kids keep you young, it’s so rewarding. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” she said.
So when John Cook, longtime principal at Center Street School, announced his retirement in December, Lewis – she was then district curriculum coordinator – went straight to Superintendent Mike Shea and expressed her interest in the job.
The new principal feels lucky to have gotten the job, succeeding a man she considers a legend in Oneonta schools.
“I know I can’t fill Mr. Cook’s shoes, I would never try,” she said, adding, “I am honored to have the time with him to transition.”
Lewis plans to immerse herself in the Center Street community and its culture, getting to know the teachers, and the students and their families.
“It is a family oriented school and I want to get to know everybody and how things work,” she said. “I want to support the teachers and set goals as a staff – it’s a team effort.”
She plans to be visible and approachable, so people feel comfortable walking in her door to talk to her.
Superintendent of Schools Mike Shea expressed satisfaction that what might have been a difficult transition is going so smoothly.
“There’s no one is like John,” said his boss. “But I know that Coleen’s objective is to just listen and learn and get to know folks, so I don’t see any drastic change there.”
Enjoy this compendium of Otsego County news from AllOtsego.life, The Freeman's Journal and Hometown Oneonta newspapers. Use the search bar to locate specific topics, names, places, and articles. We are currently in the process of putting our archives on this site, but please enjoy what we have gathered so far! (We work on this weekly!)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Pizza
2-5-10
Two people, a 46-inch pizza, one hour, and the chance to win $200 and have your name on the wall.
A “Pizza Eating Challenge” is under way at Tino’s Pizza on Main Street; owner Tino Garufi said he was inspired by the Food Network’s “Man Vs. Food” show.
“You always see this type of thing on TV, but not around town. I don’t know anyone who does this,” Garufi said. “I thought it would be fun, and seeing people try it would be great.”
The pizza is made up of 6 ½ pounds of dough, 40 ounces of sauce and a couple pounds of cheese, the equivalent ingredients to four of Tino’s large-size pizzas.
To take the challenge, deposit $40 and show up at the scheduled time with your co-pizza-eater. Then, try to eat the whole pie, every last piece of crust, in under an hour.
Succeed, you get your $40 back, plus the $200 prize, your name on a plaque, your picture on the wall – and bragging rights.
The plaque is being fashioned at Sport Tech, Tino’s Main Street neighbor.
The first to take the challenge were Adam Remillard and Richard McVinney, both of Oneonta, on Saturday, Jan. 9.
They sat in the front window. A crowd started to form. They only made it half way through. With 19 minutes to go, they gave up.
For the three weeks since, Garufi has had signs in his windows promoting the challenge, but has had no serious contenders apply until this week. On some late nights, the bar crowd will come in and say they are interested in doing it, but forget about it, or change their minds by the next morning and never come in and sign up.
Two more – Tino only knew them as Dominic and Rick, who work at Aaron’s Rentals – tried again on Tuesday, Feb. 2, but gave up with 4 minutes and 2 ½ slices to go.
Garufi is hoping word of the challenge will spread about town and more people will give it a try. He thinks it would be fun to arrange some sort of challenge between local college fraternities or sororities. If it attracted the attention of the Food Network show, that would be even better, but not his ultimate intention.
“You always see this type of thing in Texas, but not Oneonta. It would be pretty cool if ‘Man vs. Food’ came to little Oneonta to try it,” Garufi said.
Tino’s Pizza has been back in Oneonta and located on Main Street since September, after spending six years in Cooperstown.
“It’s good to be back,” Garufi said about the move.
Patrick N. Dwyer
2-5-10
Patrick N. Dwyer has been appointed as Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care’s first full-time medical director, as well as its chief medical officer.
He will oversee the medical aspects of patient care and serve as liaison with the local medical community.
Dr. Dwyer has been affiliated with hospice since 1989, when he became associate medical director and volunteered to attend interdisciplinary team meetings and perform patient consultations as needed.
Dr. Dwyer is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. A graduate of Notre Dame, he received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He also trained as a clinical associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute and completed fellowships in both medical oncology and hematology at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He was a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.
Patrick N. Dwyer has been appointed as Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care’s first full-time medical director, as well as its chief medical officer.
He will oversee the medical aspects of patient care and serve as liaison with the local medical community.
Dr. Dwyer has been affiliated with hospice since 1989, when he became associate medical director and volunteered to attend interdisciplinary team meetings and perform patient consultations as needed.
Dr. Dwyer is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. A graduate of Notre Dame, he received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He also trained as a clinical associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute and completed fellowships in both medical oncology and hematology at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He was a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.
locals:
2-5-10
ARC EMPLOYEE OF QUARTER: Cesily Secoolish, Community Job Coach, has been named The Arc Otsego Employee of the first quarter for 2010. Secoolish has worked for The Arc Otsego for several years, first as a day habilitation site coordinator, now as a community job coach in the Community Employment Services Division. As community job coach, Cesily works with clients and employers to find jobs for people with disabilities and support them in their positions.
STILL THERE: Bill Lelbach, identified as "former" artistic and managing director, Chenango River Theatre, in a recent article on the Foothills Performing Arts Center, is still in the position.
ARC EMPLOYEE OF QUARTER: Cesily Secoolish, Community Job Coach, has been named The Arc Otsego Employee of the first quarter for 2010. Secoolish has worked for The Arc Otsego for several years, first as a day habilitation site coordinator, now as a community job coach in the Community Employment Services Division. As community job coach, Cesily works with clients and employers to find jobs for people with disabilities and support them in their positions.
STILL THERE: Bill Lelbach, identified as "former" artistic and managing director, Chenango River Theatre, in a recent article on the Foothills Performing Arts Center, is still in the position.
CITY OF THE HILLS:
2-5-10
MERGER STUDY: Common Council Tuesday, Feb. 2, voted unanimously for an update of the 1996 study that recommended a merger of the city and town of Oneonta. The town board considers the matter Tuesday, Feb. 9. (Editorial, A-4)
BACKYARD BIRDS: The 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society, Feb. 12-15, asks everyone to count the highest number of each species they see at one time at one site on one of the days, and enter their tally on the web site www.birdsource.org/gbbc. For more information, contact John Davis at davi7js4@hughes.net or 607-547-9688.
NEXT BROWN? Time magazine has listed Republican Richard Hanna of Cooperstown and Barneveld, who is running again against U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, as one of its 10 best prospects for pulling another "Scott Brown," the upset in Massachusetts' Senate race.
COUNTY IN PHOTOS: Photographer Richard Duncan will talk about his book, “Otsego County: Its Towns & Treasures,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society's History Center at 183 Main St. A book signing will follow the presentation.
MERGER STUDY: Common Council Tuesday, Feb. 2, voted unanimously for an update of the 1996 study that recommended a merger of the city and town of Oneonta. The town board considers the matter Tuesday, Feb. 9. (Editorial, A-4)
BACKYARD BIRDS: The 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society, Feb. 12-15, asks everyone to count the highest number of each species they see at one time at one site on one of the days, and enter their tally on the web site www.birdsource.org/gbbc. For more information, contact John Davis at davi7js4@hughes.net or 607-547-9688.
NEXT BROWN? Time magazine has listed Republican Richard Hanna of Cooperstown and Barneveld, who is running again against U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, as one of its 10 best prospects for pulling another "Scott Brown," the upset in Massachusetts' Senate race.
COUNTY IN PHOTOS: Photographer Richard Duncan will talk about his book, “Otsego County: Its Towns & Treasures,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Greater Oneonta Historical Society's History Center at 183 Main St. A book signing will follow the presentation.
Alderman Allayed On Bresee’s After Council Briefing
2-5-10
Alderman Rodger Moran expressed satisfaction after Common Council received a briefing on the Bresee project from County Economic Developer Carolyn Lewis at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 2.
“The presentation was good,” said Moran, “but I still have concerns about the final piece of the puzzle” – where the developer will get the final $800,000 for the $8 million project.
Moran had expressed concern at a recent Common Council retreat that he and his colleagues had not been kept sufficiently in the loop.
He still is unhappy about the conversion of Wall Street into a park and parking lot.
Alderman Rodger Moran expressed satisfaction after Common Council received a briefing on the Bresee project from County Economic Developer Carolyn Lewis at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 2.
“The presentation was good,” said Moran, “but I still have concerns about the final piece of the puzzle” – where the developer will get the final $800,000 for the $8 million project.
Moran had expressed concern at a recent Common Council retreat that he and his colleagues had not been kept sufficiently in the loop.
He still is unhappy about the conversion of Wall Street into a park and parking lot.
LETTERs to the Editor:
2-5-10
To the Editor:
The Southern Tier of New York lies over two vast natural gas repositories, the Marcellus and Utica shales. Is shale gas a blessing or a curse?
Energy developers and landowner coalitions assert that a robust gas-extraction industry here would bring prosperity to our region and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign energy supplies.
For example, a commissioned report, “Potential Economic and Fiscal Benefits from Natural Gas Production in Broome County, New York” (available online) projects that this industry could bring a positive economic impact of up to $15 billion over 10 years to just Broome county.
Observers with fewer stars in their eyes cite a report, “Fossil Fuel Extraction as a County Economic Development Strategy” (also online), which shows that counties hosting intensive oil and gas extraction performed more poorly over 35 years than similar counties where there was little or no drilling.
“Energy-focusing” counties ended up with smaller economies, lower student graduation rates, and greater gaps between rich and poor residents.
Why are these two profiles so different? The former considers only the boom phase of industrial development, while the latter takes the entire boom-bust cycle into account.
Rather than supporting economic recovery, the gas industry appears to be one from which we would have to recover over the long term. And that’s before we consider the mess left behind.
I’m not so long of tooth or short of memory to only care about what happens to this community for the next 10 years. From where I stand, the shale gas industry is bad business for New York.
DR. RONALD E. BISHOP
Fly Creek
(Ron Bishop teaches
biology at SUNY Oneonta)
To the Editor:
The current state of our community should alarm each and every resident within the City of Oneonta. If there was ever a time to go to the Common Council meetings or speak with your aldermen and mayor, it would be now.
In just six months we have seen: our National Soccer Hall of Fame on the verge of collapse, our police officers violate their duties, our elected officials go back on their word to investigate the situation despite public demand, Bresee’s drain almost $10 million from the city and county, our Foothills Arts Center drain another $9 million due to mismanagement, and now the baseball team is leaving as the city approaches the end of its financial reserves.
The problem with all of this, and the reason that I believe everyone should be speaking with their aldermen, is because we have given a small group of individuals too much power.
Whether it’s the Soccer Hall of Fame board of directors, the Foothills BOD, or the Common Council, the methods that we have grown used to implementing, and the people who continuously enact these methods are simply not working to the standards we deserve.
So with this, what will it take for us as a community to make change happen? Merging with the town and selling off property will only help our economic decline for a short while, before we then run out of those funds, and are still left without any substantial resource to generate revenue.
If we, the people, do not start acting and speaking up, we will always end up on the losing side of things and our city will die.
The college students can only hold us up so much before we have to rely on ourselves for answers and direction.
JASON CORRIGAN
Oneonta
To the Editor:
Obama accepted an invitation from the Republican House leadership to address their retreat in Baltimore. His speech was followed by a very interesting question-and-answer session.
Republicans repeatedly complained that the White House and congressional Democrats had ignored their ideas, locked them out of the policy-making process and unfairly labeled them as obstructionists.
On Jan. 27, Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana claimed on MSNBC: “House Democrats in this administration have shut Republicans out of the entire process in the House.”
Democratic Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina insists: “That is absolutely not true. We had these bills on the House side go through three committees and Republicans are on all of those committees. They participated. They put up amendments. Many of those amendments were adopted. And we came out with a bill that had a lot of their amendments in it.
“It is amazing how these people can go to the floor, after going through all of that, and because they decide not to vote for it, then they say they were not consulted. They did not have an opportunity to participate. It is the most ridiculous thing that you could possibly say.
“Now, that’s just the House side. The Senate did two committees. If you look at the bill, this high-risk pool that the Senate came forward with, go back and look at John McCain‘s campaign ad. He campaigned on creating the high-risk pool. That was his philosophy we brought into this bill, and they still would not vote for it.
“But we ought not be surprised. You just saw Republicans, seven of whom co-sponsored legislation to do something about the deficit commission. Then when it came time to vote, seven of the people who co-sponsored voted (nay).”
JIM O’LEARY
Delhi
To The Editor:
Many of us are alarmed that five Supreme Court justices have ruled that a corporation has the rights of an individual and, therefore, may be considered an individual when making campaign donations. No matter what legalese was used to justify this ruling, it is clearly a blow against democracy, since it diminishes government by the people and increases government by corporations.
Corporate interests are basically about making money. I have no problem with that as long as the rights and needs of individuals are not being violated. However, I strongly oppose the ruling that a complex of individuals out to make profits for themselves and their stockholders is merely an individual exercising constitutional rights.
This weakens the vote of the individual in what our government thinks is a model democracy that the remainder of the world should adopt.
If our legislators stand by, fold their hands, and do nothing about this, it will become even clearer to the people of this country that the U.S. is not a democracy but a “moneyocracy.”
Elected representatives in the Senate and the House of Representatives should hear from us about this critical issue.
SAMUEL E. WILCOX
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
The Southern Tier of New York lies over two vast natural gas repositories, the Marcellus and Utica shales. Is shale gas a blessing or a curse?
Energy developers and landowner coalitions assert that a robust gas-extraction industry here would bring prosperity to our region and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign energy supplies.
For example, a commissioned report, “Potential Economic and Fiscal Benefits from Natural Gas Production in Broome County, New York” (available online) projects that this industry could bring a positive economic impact of up to $15 billion over 10 years to just Broome county.
Observers with fewer stars in their eyes cite a report, “Fossil Fuel Extraction as a County Economic Development Strategy” (also online), which shows that counties hosting intensive oil and gas extraction performed more poorly over 35 years than similar counties where there was little or no drilling.
“Energy-focusing” counties ended up with smaller economies, lower student graduation rates, and greater gaps between rich and poor residents.
Why are these two profiles so different? The former considers only the boom phase of industrial development, while the latter takes the entire boom-bust cycle into account.
Rather than supporting economic recovery, the gas industry appears to be one from which we would have to recover over the long term. And that’s before we consider the mess left behind.
I’m not so long of tooth or short of memory to only care about what happens to this community for the next 10 years. From where I stand, the shale gas industry is bad business for New York.
DR. RONALD E. BISHOP
Fly Creek
(Ron Bishop teaches
biology at SUNY Oneonta)
To the Editor:
The current state of our community should alarm each and every resident within the City of Oneonta. If there was ever a time to go to the Common Council meetings or speak with your aldermen and mayor, it would be now.
In just six months we have seen: our National Soccer Hall of Fame on the verge of collapse, our police officers violate their duties, our elected officials go back on their word to investigate the situation despite public demand, Bresee’s drain almost $10 million from the city and county, our Foothills Arts Center drain another $9 million due to mismanagement, and now the baseball team is leaving as the city approaches the end of its financial reserves.
The problem with all of this, and the reason that I believe everyone should be speaking with their aldermen, is because we have given a small group of individuals too much power.
Whether it’s the Soccer Hall of Fame board of directors, the Foothills BOD, or the Common Council, the methods that we have grown used to implementing, and the people who continuously enact these methods are simply not working to the standards we deserve.
So with this, what will it take for us as a community to make change happen? Merging with the town and selling off property will only help our economic decline for a short while, before we then run out of those funds, and are still left without any substantial resource to generate revenue.
If we, the people, do not start acting and speaking up, we will always end up on the losing side of things and our city will die.
The college students can only hold us up so much before we have to rely on ourselves for answers and direction.
JASON CORRIGAN
Oneonta
To the Editor:
Obama accepted an invitation from the Republican House leadership to address their retreat in Baltimore. His speech was followed by a very interesting question-and-answer session.
Republicans repeatedly complained that the White House and congressional Democrats had ignored their ideas, locked them out of the policy-making process and unfairly labeled them as obstructionists.
On Jan. 27, Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana claimed on MSNBC: “House Democrats in this administration have shut Republicans out of the entire process in the House.”
Democratic Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina insists: “That is absolutely not true. We had these bills on the House side go through three committees and Republicans are on all of those committees. They participated. They put up amendments. Many of those amendments were adopted. And we came out with a bill that had a lot of their amendments in it.
“It is amazing how these people can go to the floor, after going through all of that, and because they decide not to vote for it, then they say they were not consulted. They did not have an opportunity to participate. It is the most ridiculous thing that you could possibly say.
“Now, that’s just the House side. The Senate did two committees. If you look at the bill, this high-risk pool that the Senate came forward with, go back and look at John McCain‘s campaign ad. He campaigned on creating the high-risk pool. That was his philosophy we brought into this bill, and they still would not vote for it.
“But we ought not be surprised. You just saw Republicans, seven of whom co-sponsored legislation to do something about the deficit commission. Then when it came time to vote, seven of the people who co-sponsored voted (nay).”
JIM O’LEARY
Delhi
To The Editor:
Many of us are alarmed that five Supreme Court justices have ruled that a corporation has the rights of an individual and, therefore, may be considered an individual when making campaign donations. No matter what legalese was used to justify this ruling, it is clearly a blow against democracy, since it diminishes government by the people and increases government by corporations.
Corporate interests are basically about making money. I have no problem with that as long as the rights and needs of individuals are not being violated. However, I strongly oppose the ruling that a complex of individuals out to make profits for themselves and their stockholders is merely an individual exercising constitutional rights.
This weakens the vote of the individual in what our government thinks is a model democracy that the remainder of the world should adopt.
If our legislators stand by, fold their hands, and do nothing about this, it will become even clearer to the people of this country that the U.S. is not a democracy but a “moneyocracy.”
Elected representatives in the Senate and the House of Representatives should hear from us about this critical issue.
SAMUEL E. WILCOX
Cooperstown
A fishing guide once gave John P. Cook this secret to happiness: Love your work, love your community, love your family.
2-5-10
A fishing guide once gave John P. Cook this secret to happiness: Love your work, love your community, love your family.
“That’s my philosophy of life,” said Cook as he prepares to retire after 25 years as Center Street School principal. “I have a great family, my job is fantastic and the community I live in is wonderful.”
So you can imagine how Cook’s decision to retire – five years in the making –was a difficult one. Even filling out the retirement paperwork, he finds, was an emotional challenge.
“I really like what I am doing,” said the principal as he watched over second graders during recess the other day. “You can’t script what my days are like.”
Originally from Schenectady, he received a bachelor’s in physical education from Niagara and a masters in health education from Syracuse. He intended to be a phys-ed teacher and a football coach, but the job he was offered fresh out of school in 1970 was in health education.
He coached swimming for a period, but never football, and he never taught phys ed.
After teaching health and being an athletic trainer at West Genesee High School for two years, he joined Jefferson-Lewis BOCES as coordinator of health and drug education. He then made his first appearance in Oneonta as a health education instructor at SUNY Oneonta for eight years. He fell in love with the town, calling it “a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”
He was tempted away once – a six-month stint as director of athletics at Salmon River – but returned to take the Center Street job.
Cook and his wife, Nancy, a Bassett Healthcare nurse practitioner, raised four children.
His daughters followed him into education: Caitlin Wightman teaches art at Cooperstown Elementary and Julie Lynch, special education at Riverside Elementary.
Son John is an administrator at Granite State College in New Hampshire, and Tim has just completed a master’s in Montana.
“I am proud of the sense of community I have developed at Center Street School with the students, parents and staff. We want kids to do well academically, but also socially,” Cook said about his biggest career accomplishments.
He is also proud of the staff he has built over the years saying that everyone has helped to bring programming and school community to a whole new level.
If Consolidation Adds Up, 2 Oneontas Should Become One
2-5-10
Certainly, there are efficiencies that would be realized if the two Oneontas – the town and the city – became one, an estimated $250,000.
Expenses can be reduced, sure. But the biggest benefit is on the revenue side, through a vehicle obscurely called “preemption.”
Preemption allows cities and counties in New York State – AND ONLY CITIES AND COUNTIES – to claim a portion of sales-tax revenues within its jurisdiction.
When Barry P. Warren, then director of SUNY’s Center for Economic & Community Development, studied a possible town-city merger in the mid-1990s, he concluded the combined municipality could claim an additional $2 million a year.
Today, that number has risen to $3 million.
Think about it. Southside Mall. Walmart. Lowe’s. Home Depot. The Holiday Inn and other Southside motels. The restaurants along Route 23. The supermarkets. Right now, they’re doing the two Oneontas no good, tax-revenue-wise.
The Three Musketeers had it right: United, we do stand.
Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr., whose platform included renewing merger talks with the town, is following through.
Common Council Tuesday, Feb. 2, approved collaborating with the town in reviving and updating the findings of Barry Warren’s Greater Oneonta Task Force.
The Oneonta town board meets next Tuesday, Feb. 9, to take up the same matter.
In the first round of discussion, Mayor Miller emphasized that one of the biggest stumbling blocks to the merger – the possible loss of jobs – should be taken off the table for five years.
During that time, retirements and turnover would minimize the chance that any strong measures would have to be taken, and any could be cushioned to minimize harm to anyone.
This is as it should be. Should individuals have to suffer harm for something that, if Warren’s initial conclusions bear out, would be a boon to all?
Certainly not.
Think about it historically. When the City of Oneonta formed 101 years ago, it would take hours to walk from one end to another. West Oneonta? Forget it. It might as well have been on a different planet. The automobile – and I-88 – changed all that: Anyone can get from Emmons to West Oneonta in minutes.
The horse-and-buggy era had certain imperatives. The space age has different ones for Planet Oneonta. Let’s do what makes sense in the modern world.
Certainly, there are efficiencies that would be realized if the two Oneontas – the town and the city – became one, an estimated $250,000.
Expenses can be reduced, sure. But the biggest benefit is on the revenue side, through a vehicle obscurely called “preemption.”
Preemption allows cities and counties in New York State – AND ONLY CITIES AND COUNTIES – to claim a portion of sales-tax revenues within its jurisdiction.
When Barry P. Warren, then director of SUNY’s Center for Economic & Community Development, studied a possible town-city merger in the mid-1990s, he concluded the combined municipality could claim an additional $2 million a year.
Today, that number has risen to $3 million.
Think about it. Southside Mall. Walmart. Lowe’s. Home Depot. The Holiday Inn and other Southside motels. The restaurants along Route 23. The supermarkets. Right now, they’re doing the two Oneontas no good, tax-revenue-wise.
The Three Musketeers had it right: United, we do stand.
•
This is more than theoretical all of a sudden.Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr., whose platform included renewing merger talks with the town, is following through.
Common Council Tuesday, Feb. 2, approved collaborating with the town in reviving and updating the findings of Barry Warren’s Greater Oneonta Task Force.
The Oneonta town board meets next Tuesday, Feb. 9, to take up the same matter.
In the first round of discussion, Mayor Miller emphasized that one of the biggest stumbling blocks to the merger – the possible loss of jobs – should be taken off the table for five years.
During that time, retirements and turnover would minimize the chance that any strong measures would have to be taken, and any could be cushioned to minimize harm to anyone.
This is as it should be. Should individuals have to suffer harm for something that, if Warren’s initial conclusions bear out, would be a boon to all?
Certainly not.
•
The Warren Report has lots of good reading. Police, parks, economic development could all be more effectively managed in a larger entity.Think about it historically. When the City of Oneonta formed 101 years ago, it would take hours to walk from one end to another. West Oneonta? Forget it. It might as well have been on a different planet. The automobile – and I-88 – changed all that: Anyone can get from Emmons to West Oneonta in minutes.
The horse-and-buggy era had certain imperatives. The space age has different ones for Planet Oneonta. Let’s do what makes sense in the modern world.
Baseball
2-5-10
Easy go, easy come back.
It was as if Mayor Dick Miller caught the news of the Oneonta Tigers’ departure as it bounced off the outfield wall, then fired it home for an out.
Not quite yet.
But before Minor League Baseball has even officially approved the Tigers moved from Damaschke Field to Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Conn., the mayor may have already drafted a replacement – unnamed, so far – from the New York Collegiate Baseball League.
“They’re dying to come here,” the mayor told Common Council at its Tuesday, Feb. 2, meeting. “We would have the best field in the league.”
If you see this in time, Miller is hosting a public meeting on the future of baseball in Oneonta at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Stella Luna. Admission free. Hors d’oeuvres served; cash bar.
And the mayor may ask you to invest in the team to come: There’s no time to spare, as the NYCLB season starts in early June and the league needs to know by the end of next week if Oneonta is in.
He said E. Miles Prentice, Tigers owner, has been helpful in lining up NYCBL interest.
NYCBL players are from collegiate baseball powerhouses – Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, the University of Washington, the University of Virginia, Pepperdine.
“These are players who are probably going to be drafted next year,” said Miller.
Cooperstown is also fielding an NYCBL team next summer – the Hawkeyes, at Doubleday Field – so perhaps a cross-county rivalry is in the offing.
In addition to the NYCBL team, the mayor hopes to draw Cooperstown Baseball World teams to the field, as well as local American Legion teams; maybe OHS’ team would like to play games at Damaschke, he said.
“Frankly, the whole thing is kind of fun,” said Miller. “If you have the time for it.”
P&C and Tops
2-5-10
If it keeps its local supermarket open, Tops Friendly Markets – the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Thursday, Jan. 28, approved its purchase of 79 P&C store – may not only be the newcomer in the market:
It is looking to be a good neighbor as well.
“We’ll be giving to local food banks and donating our products to food drives and local area hospitals,” said Kate McKenna, Tops spokeswoman, adding the company donates $10 million annually to charity. “We really do a lot in the community. It’s very exciting.”
But first, the Buffalo-based full-service grocery retailer has launched a 30-day evaluation process to measure the economic viability of each store and ultimately decide whether or not the location will be profitable. The specific date representatives from Tops will be visiting the P&C in Hartwick Seminary is not known.
“Unfortunately, a very small handful of stores will close, but we want to operate as many as possible,” McKenna said.
According to McKenna, the signage and the look of P&C will not change for three to six months.
“We’re not going to just come in there and slap our corporate name on the place. We want this to be a smooth and easy transition for the employees as well as for the customers. We’ll give it three to six months after the evaluation. That way, the community can get comfortable with Tops,” she said.
If it keeps its local supermarket open, Tops Friendly Markets – the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Thursday, Jan. 28, approved its purchase of 79 P&C store – may not only be the newcomer in the market:
It is looking to be a good neighbor as well.
“We’ll be giving to local food banks and donating our products to food drives and local area hospitals,” said Kate McKenna, Tops spokeswoman, adding the company donates $10 million annually to charity. “We really do a lot in the community. It’s very exciting.”
But first, the Buffalo-based full-service grocery retailer has launched a 30-day evaluation process to measure the economic viability of each store and ultimately decide whether or not the location will be profitable. The specific date representatives from Tops will be visiting the P&C in Hartwick Seminary is not known.
“Unfortunately, a very small handful of stores will close, but we want to operate as many as possible,” McKenna said.
According to McKenna, the signage and the look of P&C will not change for three to six months.
“We’re not going to just come in there and slap our corporate name on the place. We want this to be a smooth and easy transition for the employees as well as for the customers. We’ll give it three to six months after the evaluation. That way, the community can get comfortable with Tops,” she said.
locals
2-5-10
GRAHAM CITED: Rebekah Graham, a first-year psychology major at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., was named to the fall semester Dean’s List. She is the daughter of Stephen and Karen Graham of Cooperstown.
IN LONDON: Kelsey Brodersen, daughter of Bruce and Rosemay Broderson and a junior at Boston University majoring in art history, is spending this semester in London, taking classes and interning at the Royal Academy of Art. She was also named to BU’s Dean’s List for the fall semester.
IN ROCHESTER: Ron Bishop, Fly Creek, who teaches biology at SUNY Oneonta, will discuss hydro-fracking practices at the Great Lakes Water Conservation Workshop Friday, March 26, at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. The workshop focuses on best practices in water conservation.
GRAHAM CITED: Rebekah Graham, a first-year psychology major at Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., was named to the fall semester Dean’s List. She is the daughter of Stephen and Karen Graham of Cooperstown.
IN LONDON: Kelsey Brodersen, daughter of Bruce and Rosemay Broderson and a junior at Boston University majoring in art history, is spending this semester in London, taking classes and interning at the Royal Academy of Art. She was also named to BU’s Dean’s List for the fall semester.
IN ROCHESTER: Ron Bishop, Fly Creek, who teaches biology at SUNY Oneonta, will discuss hydro-fracking practices at the Great Lakes Water Conservation Workshop Friday, March 26, at the Rochester Museum & Science Center. The workshop focuses on best practices in water conservation.
COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND
2-5-10
COOPERSTOWN
Beginning with the Fenimore Quilt Club show, which opens 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, extensive damage from a steam leak is requiring all Cooperstown Art Association exhibits to be held until further notice on the second floor of 22 Main.
“We are taking this unfortunate circumstance as an opportunity to re-assess the use of our space, to make it better and more professional as we go forward,” said Janet Erway, CAA executive director.
CAPITALISM LIVES! 48 middle school student-entrepreneurs will demonstrate products they developed through the new “TREP$” program at a marketplace planned 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 6, in the CCS cafeteria. The public is welcome.
FRICK WINNER: The National Baseball Hall of Fame has announced that Jon Miller, the voice of ESPN’s national Sunday Night Baseball telecasts for 20 years, is 2010 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award.
BIRD COUNT: The National Audubon Society’s 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is Friday-Sunday, Feb. 12-15. To participate locally, contact the Delaware-Otsego chapter’s John Davis at davi7js4@hughes.net or 547-9688.
NEXT BROWN? Time magazine has listed Republican Richard Hanna of Cooperstown and Barnevelt, who is running again against U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, as one of its 10 best prospects for pulling another “Scott Brown,” the upset in Massachusetts’ U.S. Senate race.
COOPERSTOWN
Beginning with the Fenimore Quilt Club show, which opens 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, extensive damage from a steam leak is requiring all Cooperstown Art Association exhibits to be held until further notice on the second floor of 22 Main.
“We are taking this unfortunate circumstance as an opportunity to re-assess the use of our space, to make it better and more professional as we go forward,” said Janet Erway, CAA executive director.
CAPITALISM LIVES! 48 middle school student-entrepreneurs will demonstrate products they developed through the new “TREP$” program at a marketplace planned 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 6, in the CCS cafeteria. The public is welcome.
FRICK WINNER: The National Baseball Hall of Fame has announced that Jon Miller, the voice of ESPN’s national Sunday Night Baseball telecasts for 20 years, is 2010 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award.
BIRD COUNT: The National Audubon Society’s 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is Friday-Sunday, Feb. 12-15. To participate locally, contact the Delaware-Otsego chapter’s John Davis at davi7js4@hughes.net or 547-9688.
NEXT BROWN? Time magazine has listed Republican Richard Hanna of Cooperstown and Barnevelt, who is running again against U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, as one of its 10 best prospects for pulling another “Scott Brown,” the upset in Massachusetts’ U.S. Senate race.
letters to the editor:
2-5-10
To the Editor:
Jeff Katz has proven himself to be an excellent Village of Cooperstown trustee and deputy mayor. I strongly recommend that we elect him as Mayor on March 16.
Jeff brings several important strengths to the governing process.
First, he has a clear understanding of the critical priorities for the village – sound financial management, infrastructure maintenance and improvement, and preservation of our quality of life. Second, he is a strong leader who is willing and able to accept responsibility while aggressively recruiting capable and responsible people to get involved in community projects and village government. Third, he exercises good and reasoned judgment in carrying out his duties as trustee.
Fourth, Jeff is a great listener. Even when he does not agree with one’s point of view, he respectfully listens and always offers a well-reasoned, thought-provoking alternate view.
Jeff played a key role in the debate over raising rates for teams playing on Doubleday Field, establishing a more rational fee schedule for an undervalued village asset and providing additional income for the village.
He is a strong proponent of testing the implementation of paid parking – last year’s income from paid parking was significant, equal to a 6.7 percent increase in taxes. Income from parking came primarily from nonresidents, whereas a tax increase would have been the burden of village property owners.
Our community has changed significantly in recent years and it will continue to change. We will address challenges relating to tourism, mandates forced on the village by the state government and the constantly evolving needs of Bassett Healthcare.
We need intelligent, hard working, responsible community members to lead and govern. Please join me in voting to elect Jeff Katz as mayor on March 16.
STEPHEN MAHLUM
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
Innovative, responsive and experienced leadership is key to our village’s future. Throughout their service as trustees, we have found both Jeff Katz and Lynne Mebust to demonstrate this type of leadership.
Jeff and Lynne fought the status quo and helped make the Badger Park playground a reality.
Responding to village financial needs, Lynne and Jeff found money in our very own parking spots, generating much needed non-tax revenue. When initial parking plans caused concerns, they listened and revised the plan.
Jeff and Lynne also supported our police chief and department, putting public safety first.
It is clear that their first priority is the welfare of the village and its residents. They are hard-working, effective, and deeply committed to the village.
While some want this race decided along purely partisan lines, we suggest voters to look beyond party.
We(who happen to be registered to different political parties)fully support Jeff Katz for mayor of Cooperstown, and Lynne Mebust for trustee. We look forward to their continued leadership.
JOHN & PEG ODELL
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
I am a Cooperstown native in support of Jeff Katz for mayor and Lynne Mebust for trustee.
Katz and Mebust uphold my idea of what village government should be. They are open, respectful at all times, creative, intelligent and earnest in their work for the village.
Both candidates dedicate the time and energy necessary to fully understand village issues, and, in my opinion, they always have the interests of residents at heart.
I have had the opportunity to work closely with both Jeff and Lynne though my work on the THINK RINK project. They have been true partners in this effort, which involved significant collaboration between the village parks board, village employees and Friends of the Parks.
They were easy to work with, followed through on promises, pitched in on workdays and saw the benefit of a better rink for village residents. I urge you to consider voting with me.
Moreover, no matter who your candidate is or what the outcome of this election, I urge village residents and businesses to be respectful of all the candidates and trustees. Let’s honor our village by demonstrating civilized behavior and eschewing negativity.
SUSIE LASHER KNIGHT
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
The Southern Tier of New York lies over two vast natural gas repositories, the Marcellus and Utica shales. Is shale gas a blessing or a curse?
Energy developers and landowner coalitions assert that a robust gas-extraction industry here would bring prosperity to our region and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign energy supplies.
For example, a commissioned report, “Potential Economic and Fiscal Benefits from Natural Gas Production in Broome County, New York” (available online) projects that this industry could bring a positive economic impact of up to $15 billion over 10 years to just Broome county.
Observers with fewer stars in their eyes cite a report, “Fossil Fuel Extraction as a County Economic Development Strategy” (also online), which shows that counties hosting intensive oil and gas extraction performed more poorly over 35 years than similar counties where there was little or no drilling.
“Energy-focusing” counties ended up with smaller economies, lower student graduation rates, and greater gaps between rich and poor residents.
Why are these two profiles so different? The former considers only the boom phase of industrial development, while the latter takes the entire boom-bust cycle into account.
Rather than supporting economic recovery, the gas industry appears to be one from which we would have to recover over the long term. And that’s before we consider the mess left behind.
I’m not so long of tooth or short of memory to only care about what happens to this community for the next 10 years. From where I stand, the shale gas industry is bad business for New York.
DR. RONALD E. BISHOP
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
Lynne Mebust my friend, neighbor and our committed village trustee has my support and needs yours for the upcoming election on March 16.
Lynne’s representation of Cooperstown residents during the last three years on the streets and building committee, the parks board and the police committee brought about positive change for our community.
Her tenure has resulted in improvements at our Badger Park ice skating rink and increased revenue for the village through paid parking.
Lynne’s professional background of grant writing and non-profit management brings an acute understanding of focused research skills and team leadership.
Some of her many community contributions include a three-year term as PTO treasurer and Crayon Carnival chair with her work benefiting our elementary school and students.
With a commonsense approach to problems garnered from past and present work experiences, Lynne remains on task with issues presented before her resulting in thoughtful and responsible outcomes.
Vote for Lynne this March 16; let Lynne continue to keep our community government working for Cooperstown citizens. A vote for Lynne is a positive vote for all local residents.
ANN LINDSAY-BROWN
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
I have been involved in local and state politics in Texas for over 30 years; have served on state and local commissions and boards – always as a volunteer or appointee, never as an elected official, since it has always struck me that elected officials, particularly municipal, unsalaried officials put up with more tomfoolery than any person has an obligation to suffer.
When we moved to Cooperstown for extended stays, I had occasion to become involved in some local issues, and to observe how elected officials dealt with those issues, some of which were quite controversial.
I was impressed in particular by three officials who always conducted themselves with dignity, do their homework, and generally get it right. Those three were Mayor Waller, Lynne Mebust Jackson and Jeff Katz.
Mayor Waller is retiring. Lynne is a lot better looking (to me) than Jeff, but she’s not running for mayor. So we are supporting Jeff for mayor in any way we can.
He is a worthy successor to Mayor Waller and she knows it. She figured it out some time ago. He’s not there to showboat or play some passive-aggressive game with police coverage. He’s there to get the job done and look ahead. He’s not there to appease some crackpot blowhard in the audience or in the Letters To Editor.
Cooperstown was lucky to have Mayor Waller and doubly lucky to have someone of Jeff’s caliber to replace her.
JAMES “CHIP” NORTHRUP
Cooperstown
To The Editor:
Many of us are alarmed that five Supreme Court justices have ruled that a corporation has the rights of an individual and, therefore, may be considered an individual when making campaign donations. No matter what legalese was used to justify this ruling, it is clearly a blow against democracy, since it diminishes government by the people and increases government by corporations.
Corporate interests are basically about making money. I have no problem with that as long as the rights and needs of individuals are not being violated. However, I strongly oppose the ruling that a complex of individuals out to make profits for themselves and their stockholders is merely an individual exercising constitutional rights.
This weakens the vote of the individual in what our government thinks is a model democracy that the remainder of the world should adopt.
If our legislators stand by, fold their hands, and do nothing about this, it will become even clearer to the people of this country that the U.S. is not a democracy but a “moneyocracy.”
Elected representatives in the Senate and the House of Representatives should hear from us about this critical issue.
SAMUEL E. WILCOX
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
Five years ago, I decided to follow two little girls to Cooperstown where I could watch with delight as they grow into unique, productive adults.
I bought a house, paid my taxes, planted some flowers, joined the gym and settled in to the experiences that being a grandmother can provide.
I was concerned then to hear of village board discussions on restructuring the police force by reducing 24/7 coverage. While I fully understand the necessity of our village government to monitor and, perhaps, reduce budgets, the idea that our village would be well-served by a county agency already stretched to its limits is just wrong.
Cooperstown residents rely on police presence that is constant and observant. As parents and grandparents, we look to a force that is not only a protection against crime but is also a positive reinforcement of the values we treasure and want to instill in our children and grandchildren.
Many of the services provided by the village government make our lives more enjoyable – more pleasant – the “perfect place to live.” But those services pale in comparison to the work that makes this a safe and healthy place to live.
During my career in communications I had the opportunity to report on municipal issues for Syracuse-area community papers. I was interested in hearing The Town of Clay’s merger with the Onondaga County’s Sheriff’s Department used as an example by some trustees. I covered the Town of Clay (and, at one point lived in the Town of Clay). Anyone who reviewed the demographics, or, indeed, had driven through that town would quickly understand that any vestige of similarity between Clay and Cooperstown simply is not there.
I was also surprised to discover that no public discussion or thought was given to the Village of Liverpool’s (another municipality I covered) failed efforts at merged police services with the City of Syracuse. Equally surprising was the fact that our board dealt with this issue in closed, executive session – out of the public’s eye.
I have decided to run for one of the two trustee positions in the upcoming Village of Cooperstown election. There are many considerations, many issues facing our village officials but certainly none is more basic, or more important, than public safety.
SALLY R. ELDRED
Cooperstown
HOMES
2-5-10
Money isn’t everything, but $5,600 is $5,600.
That’s the amount JGB Properties’ six-home “cluster” development – the first of its kind in the village – would generate annually in property taxes.
(Don’t take our word for it: $2.5 million market value, assessed at half, $1.25 million; apply the 4.6 per $1,000 village tax rate. The school district and county take additional pieces.)
Chestnut Crossing, as the developers call it, would consist of six, two-story, stand-alone houses, priced at an average of $400,000.
It would be the first housing development of any size since the 12-home, plus garden apartments, subdivision on Estli Avenue, developed for Bassett Healthcare some 20 years ago.
Doug Beachel, JGB’s director of real estate, appeared before the village Planning Board Jan. 25 for a second preliminary conversation, and plans to submit a formal application at the board’s Tuesday, Feb. 23, meeting.
At that time, a public hearing could be scheduled for the next meeting, March 23, and the Planning Board could grant approval any time after that.
Beachel, based in Syracuse, said he hopes to get a spec home completed in the upcoming building season.
Chestnut Crossing – the idea surfaced more than a year ago now – would stretch between Chestnut Street and Pine Boulevard, just north of the Inn at Cooperstown. It will require demolition of the former Smith Ford site, a low-slung one-story building that once was a meat cooler.
One home would front on Chestnut, one on Pine, and the other four on Stagecoach Lane, a public right-of-way.
There is actually room on the parcel for seven 5,000-square-foot lots – the village minimum – according to Tavis Austin, village zoning enforcement officer.
However, the developer chose to go with just six lots and the cluster process so as to fit the development on the site in a more “harmonious” manner, he said.
For his part, Beachel said JGB went the cluster route because it allows the development to be planned as an entity and approved in advance, which assists with the marketing.
Money isn’t everything, but $5,600 is $5,600.
That’s the amount JGB Properties’ six-home “cluster” development – the first of its kind in the village – would generate annually in property taxes.
(Don’t take our word for it: $2.5 million market value, assessed at half, $1.25 million; apply the 4.6 per $1,000 village tax rate. The school district and county take additional pieces.)
Chestnut Crossing, as the developers call it, would consist of six, two-story, stand-alone houses, priced at an average of $400,000.
It would be the first housing development of any size since the 12-home, plus garden apartments, subdivision on Estli Avenue, developed for Bassett Healthcare some 20 years ago.
Doug Beachel, JGB’s director of real estate, appeared before the village Planning Board Jan. 25 for a second preliminary conversation, and plans to submit a formal application at the board’s Tuesday, Feb. 23, meeting.
At that time, a public hearing could be scheduled for the next meeting, March 23, and the Planning Board could grant approval any time after that.
Beachel, based in Syracuse, said he hopes to get a spec home completed in the upcoming building season.
Chestnut Crossing – the idea surfaced more than a year ago now – would stretch between Chestnut Street and Pine Boulevard, just north of the Inn at Cooperstown. It will require demolition of the former Smith Ford site, a low-slung one-story building that once was a meat cooler.
One home would front on Chestnut, one on Pine, and the other four on Stagecoach Lane, a public right-of-way.
There is actually room on the parcel for seven 5,000-square-foot lots – the village minimum – according to Tavis Austin, village zoning enforcement officer.
However, the developer chose to go with just six lots and the cluster process so as to fit the development on the site in a more “harmonious” manner, he said.
For his part, Beachel said JGB went the cluster route because it allows the development to be planned as an entity and approved in advance, which assists with the marketing.
editorial
2-5-09
Merge the Cooperstown and Otsego County chambers of commerce?
It’s probably a conversation that should be had; in fact, has been had, leaders of both chambers will tell you, although not publicly yet.
No doubt the conversation will find neither independence or alliance is a panacea.
Polly’s successor, John Bullis, a retired Herkimer Community College dean who resigned after a year, measured the success of all chamber ventures in terms of the bottom line, and discovered only the Pumpkin Fest was actually a money maker.
Everything else – Holly Dollars, the state Snow Sculpting Competition, the Victorian Stroll, etc. – went over the side, with no consideration of the multipliers.
These changes came just as the tourism economy began to slide – first, $4 gasoline, then everything else – when a vigorous schedule of promotional activities to bring people to town would have been most helpful.
You can understand why the Cooperstown Chamber may be reexamining reasons for being.
Judging from experiences in other regions, big entities – NYSHA, the Fly Creek Cider Mill, the Baseball Hall of Fame – have macro needs, regional needs, and a big chamber is more able to meet them.
Smaller entities – retailers, mostly – need grass-root promotional efforts to bring feet in the door. A regional chamber, with many communities to serve, tends to insufficiently serve individual localities’ individual needs.
It’s common that merchants associations – Main Street Oneonta, for instance – soon rise: Store owners find a regional chamber’s interests are too broad-gauged for the task at hand.
Combining administrative functions might make sense. Perhaps combining health insurance, the main revenue producer, would achieve economies, as long as the income was then parceled out.
A confederation of chambers – Cherry Valley, Richfield Springs, the gauge, too – might be feasible. But it’s hard to imagine how local, intensely market-focused promotional efforts would emerge from a regional maw.
A chamber’s heavy-lifting has to be done close to the ground. Perhaps a regional chamber could be an “enabler,” in the best sense, freeing the local arms to do what they do best.
In addition to providing efficient administration and fundraising, it could develop a bubble-up countywide vision, if you will, that all chambers could buy into.
Something to think about.
Merge the Cooperstown and Otsego County chambers of commerce?
It’s probably a conversation that should be had; in fact, has been had, leaders of both chambers will tell you, although not publicly yet.
No doubt the conversation will find neither independence or alliance is a panacea.
•
The Cooperstown Chamber has seemed in flux since the formidable Polly Renckens retired three years ago this month. If something needed to be done, Polly did it. If money needed to be raised, Polly found it.Polly’s successor, John Bullis, a retired Herkimer Community College dean who resigned after a year, measured the success of all chamber ventures in terms of the bottom line, and discovered only the Pumpkin Fest was actually a money maker.
Everything else – Holly Dollars, the state Snow Sculpting Competition, the Victorian Stroll, etc. – went over the side, with no consideration of the multipliers.
These changes came just as the tourism economy began to slide – first, $4 gasoline, then everything else – when a vigorous schedule of promotional activities to bring people to town would have been most helpful.
You can understand why the Cooperstown Chamber may be reexamining reasons for being.
•
A merger with the Otsego County Chamber may seem like an easy way out in challenging times, but for whom?Judging from experiences in other regions, big entities – NYSHA, the Fly Creek Cider Mill, the Baseball Hall of Fame – have macro needs, regional needs, and a big chamber is more able to meet them.
Smaller entities – retailers, mostly – need grass-root promotional efforts to bring feet in the door. A regional chamber, with many communities to serve, tends to insufficiently serve individual localities’ individual needs.
It’s common that merchants associations – Main Street Oneonta, for instance – soon rise: Store owners find a regional chamber’s interests are too broad-gauged for the task at hand.
•
If the conversation ensues – Otsego Chamber President Rob Robinson said his executive committee may restart it in the spring – a clean sheet is required: no preconceptions.Combining administrative functions might make sense. Perhaps combining health insurance, the main revenue producer, would achieve economies, as long as the income was then parceled out.
A confederation of chambers – Cherry Valley, Richfield Springs, the gauge, too – might be feasible. But it’s hard to imagine how local, intensely market-focused promotional efforts would emerge from a regional maw.
A chamber’s heavy-lifting has to be done close to the ground. Perhaps a regional chamber could be an “enabler,” in the best sense, freeing the local arms to do what they do best.
In addition to providing efficient administration and fundraising, it could develop a bubble-up countywide vision, if you will, that all chambers could buy into.
Something to think about.
Dwyer Appointed First Hospice Medical Director
2-5-10
Patrick N. Dwyer has been appointed as Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care’s first full-time medical director, as well as its chief medical officer.
He will oversee the medical aspects of patient care and serve as liaison with the local medical community.
Dr. Dwyer is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology.
He was a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.
A graduate of Notre Dame, he received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He also trained as a clinical associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute and completed fellowships in both medical oncology and hematology at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He was a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.w
Patrick N. Dwyer has been appointed as Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care’s first full-time medical director, as well as its chief medical officer.
He will oversee the medical aspects of patient care and serve as liaison with the local medical community.
Dr. Dwyer is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology.
He was a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.
A graduate of Notre Dame, he received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He also trained as a clinical associate at the National Institutes of Health in the National Cancer Institute and completed fellowships in both medical oncology and hematology at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He was a hematologist-oncologist for 25 years at Bassett Healthcare.w
Brewery Ommegang
2-5-10
‘The philosophy across Duvel” – Brewery Ommegang’s parent company – “is you get the right thing. You pay the price for it, but you get the right thing.”
Simon Thorpe, Ommegang’s new president, was enthusing over a beer-and-wire topping machine, top of the line, imported from Italy, that was being installed in the Medieval-style Town of Middlefield plant the other day.
“This is a big day for us,” said Thorpe. “Investing in little things makes the difference between great quality and really good quality.”
Ommegang’s goal: “The top of the pyramid for super-premium quality.”
“The right thing,” “top quality,” “the best.” These are the types of phrases you hear if you spend much time with the 47-year-old Brit who arrived in Cooperstown via a 25-year career that ranges from Brussels to Battle Creek, Mich.
Listening to Thorpe, you can imagine how the scene behind the brewery’s neat facade you see from Route 33 must pick at him: Kegs are stacked here, pallets there, crates over there.
But not for long. Accompanied by brewmaster Phil Leinhardt, Thorpe strides toward the frame of an 8,000-square-foot warehouse that is rising to the north of the main building.
By March, the building should be finished and a storage “pinch” that has been slowing Ommegang’s production should be eased. In addition to providing a home for all that material out back, the warehouse will contain an expanded “warm cellar” – the Belgian-style brews are further bottle-aged after the regular brewing is complete – that doubles the current space.
This is part of the effort to expand the 36-hectoliter capacity – a hectoliter is 100 liters or 26 gallons – to 45-50 hectoliters.
The need to expand is an outgrowth of success: In the past year, the Dow went up 2.2 percent; Ommegang’s volume rose 11 percent, and its revenues, 20 percent.
Thorpe sees the brewery’s success as a byproduct of the Europeanization of Americans’ approach to food and drink – a heightened interest in flavor and quality.
“We are in the perfect place at the perfect time to grow with that trend,” he said, perhaps to even 100 hectoliters in five years.
Grow where? “We have 148 acres here,” he said, with a nod out back. He anticipates the brewery, which employs 30-some people now – several of the new people are in sales and marketing, spreading the Ommegang word to all but four of the 50 states – could double in size in a decade.
Thorpe was raised in Southhampton, England, on the Channel, won a scholarship to a good secondary school and studied engineering at the University of Birmingham.
During a five-year stint with Unilever in the manufacture of margarine in London’s east end, he discovered his real interest was marketing and strategy.
He spent nine years with Tambrands in Belgium and Germany, then joined Kellogg’s in fabled Battle Creek, just as the company was discovering a market in convenience foods like Pop Tarts, Neutrogena Bars and Rice Krispie Treats.
He joined Hallmark just as people were shifting to e-mails, and found himself responsible for strategically retrenching Crayolas in the Binney & Smith division.
The link in all this: “I’ve always wanted to run companies that have beautiful brands, real high quality brands with growth potential.” (Hold that thought.)
Then, beer, and it gets a bit complicated.
Thorpe joined InterBrew; the Belgian beer company had established “flagship local brands” in Korea, China, the U.K. and elsewhere.
His first challenge was to merge InterBrew with AmBev – its South American equivalent – and create InBev. After a stint in Belgium, he returned to the States as InBev’s U.S. CEO, responsible for such brands as Labatt, Rolling Rock and Beck’s.
Foremost, he oversaw the rise of Stella Artois.
Innovation One: Every available billboard in the top 30 U.S. cities was obtained for Stella.
Innovation Two: The company provided “millions” of chalice-like glasses with the Stella logo on the side to bars that served the beer. So when you got a Stella, it was in a Stella glass, something that’s become a staple for quality beers.
Itchy to run his own company, Thorpe put together a private equity fund with some friends, but when the market collapsed in 2008, he reconnect with Michel Moortgat, president of Ommegang’s parent, Duvel Moortgat.
From what you’ve read so far, you can see how this would have been an ideal match.
In addition to ramping up production and sales, one of Thorpe’s novelties – he said he’s leaned heavily on brewmaster Leinhardt and Larry Bennett, director of marketing – has been the four specialty brews announced last month. Only six weeks’ supply of each will be produced, and a different beer will be released quarterly.
Ommegang has caused a splash in beer circles nationally, but, Thorpe said, everything gets old; this is an idea to keep the brand fresh.
Plus, “there’s competition down there,” said Thorpe, his head inclining toward the French doors at the end of the second-floor offices that look out to where the brewers concoct their potions. “It’s created a buzz in the brewery.”
Meanwhile, Thorpe is settling into Cooperstown, which he’s found he likes quite a bit. He’s met a lot of people. There’s a vibrant social life.
His wife Julie and son Robert, 17, who have followed him back and forth across the Atlantic several times, remain in Brussels for now until the son graduates from high school.
‘The philosophy across Duvel” – Brewery Ommegang’s parent company – “is you get the right thing. You pay the price for it, but you get the right thing.”
Simon Thorpe, Ommegang’s new president, was enthusing over a beer-and-wire topping machine, top of the line, imported from Italy, that was being installed in the Medieval-style Town of Middlefield plant the other day.
“This is a big day for us,” said Thorpe. “Investing in little things makes the difference between great quality and really good quality.”
Ommegang’s goal: “The top of the pyramid for super-premium quality.”
“The right thing,” “top quality,” “the best.” These are the types of phrases you hear if you spend much time with the 47-year-old Brit who arrived in Cooperstown via a 25-year career that ranges from Brussels to Battle Creek, Mich.
Listening to Thorpe, you can imagine how the scene behind the brewery’s neat facade you see from Route 33 must pick at him: Kegs are stacked here, pallets there, crates over there.
But not for long. Accompanied by brewmaster Phil Leinhardt, Thorpe strides toward the frame of an 8,000-square-foot warehouse that is rising to the north of the main building.
By March, the building should be finished and a storage “pinch” that has been slowing Ommegang’s production should be eased. In addition to providing a home for all that material out back, the warehouse will contain an expanded “warm cellar” – the Belgian-style brews are further bottle-aged after the regular brewing is complete – that doubles the current space.
This is part of the effort to expand the 36-hectoliter capacity – a hectoliter is 100 liters or 26 gallons – to 45-50 hectoliters.
The need to expand is an outgrowth of success: In the past year, the Dow went up 2.2 percent; Ommegang’s volume rose 11 percent, and its revenues, 20 percent.
Thorpe sees the brewery’s success as a byproduct of the Europeanization of Americans’ approach to food and drink – a heightened interest in flavor and quality.
“We are in the perfect place at the perfect time to grow with that trend,” he said, perhaps to even 100 hectoliters in five years.
Grow where? “We have 148 acres here,” he said, with a nod out back. He anticipates the brewery, which employs 30-some people now – several of the new people are in sales and marketing, spreading the Ommegang word to all but four of the 50 states – could double in size in a decade.
Thorpe was raised in Southhampton, England, on the Channel, won a scholarship to a good secondary school and studied engineering at the University of Birmingham.
During a five-year stint with Unilever in the manufacture of margarine in London’s east end, he discovered his real interest was marketing and strategy.
He spent nine years with Tambrands in Belgium and Germany, then joined Kellogg’s in fabled Battle Creek, just as the company was discovering a market in convenience foods like Pop Tarts, Neutrogena Bars and Rice Krispie Treats.
He joined Hallmark just as people were shifting to e-mails, and found himself responsible for strategically retrenching Crayolas in the Binney & Smith division.
The link in all this: “I’ve always wanted to run companies that have beautiful brands, real high quality brands with growth potential.” (Hold that thought.)
Then, beer, and it gets a bit complicated.
Thorpe joined InterBrew; the Belgian beer company had established “flagship local brands” in Korea, China, the U.K. and elsewhere.
His first challenge was to merge InterBrew with AmBev – its South American equivalent – and create InBev. After a stint in Belgium, he returned to the States as InBev’s U.S. CEO, responsible for such brands as Labatt, Rolling Rock and Beck’s.
Foremost, he oversaw the rise of Stella Artois.
Innovation One: Every available billboard in the top 30 U.S. cities was obtained for Stella.
Innovation Two: The company provided “millions” of chalice-like glasses with the Stella logo on the side to bars that served the beer. So when you got a Stella, it was in a Stella glass, something that’s become a staple for quality beers.
Itchy to run his own company, Thorpe put together a private equity fund with some friends, but when the market collapsed in 2008, he reconnect with Michel Moortgat, president of Ommegang’s parent, Duvel Moortgat.
From what you’ve read so far, you can see how this would have been an ideal match.
In addition to ramping up production and sales, one of Thorpe’s novelties – he said he’s leaned heavily on brewmaster Leinhardt and Larry Bennett, director of marketing – has been the four specialty brews announced last month. Only six weeks’ supply of each will be produced, and a different beer will be released quarterly.
Ommegang has caused a splash in beer circles nationally, but, Thorpe said, everything gets old; this is an idea to keep the brand fresh.
Plus, “there’s competition down there,” said Thorpe, his head inclining toward the French doors at the end of the second-floor offices that look out to where the brewers concoct their potions. “It’s created a buzz in the brewery.”
Meanwhile, Thorpe is settling into Cooperstown, which he’s found he likes quite a bit. He’s met a lot of people. There’s a vibrant social life.
His wife Julie and son Robert, 17, who have followed him back and forth across the Atlantic several times, remain in Brussels for now until the son graduates from high school.
2-5-10
For the OHS boys basketball program, it was the fact that it was senior night. For a select bunch on this Jackets squad, it was the last time they would grace the floor at Drago Gymnasium outside of practice.
Oneonta, who had gotten pounded by arch-rival Norwich just a few nights before (losing 27-6 at Halftime), had been embarrassed and upset after their loss.
As we saw with OHS football, the energy on Senior Night was amazing. It was unparalleled, unmatched, and Owego, their STAC rival, simply could not keep up.
Coach Jerry Mackey, who had very high expectations for this team coming in, has kept the Jackets within competition in the STAC (arguably the toughest conference for class B in central NY), however they just can't seem to get over that hump.
OHS has numerous talent, let’s not forget that, however it seems that they have the same problem as eggplant....poor consistency.
As they showed this week, they can beat anyone, but they have also shown that they can lose to anyone. Oneonta still has a shot at sectionals, and with their senior leadership (Eastman, Broe and Southerland), they should be able to make some noise....if they can stay consistent.
Oneonta High School is pretty much all this city has left. Sure, the colleges are what the city is known for, however the community really rallies behind their Yellow Jackets.
The OHS boys squad was 4-9 coming into this game, and 4-8 heading into the Norwich game, and the stands were packed.
The girls team, which is ranked 4th in the state (after their shocking loss early season to Maine Endwell), has deep fan support but this passionate community gets behind their high school the way a city rallies around a professional team. Win, lose or draw, OHS is their life.
Miller Proves Himself On SUNY Swim Team
By: BENJAMIN DEER
It is rare when a collegiate athletic program finds a star in its youngest athlete. However, that is what the Oneonta State Men’s Swim Team has found in freshman, Alex Miller.
Miller, a 2009 graduate of Oneonta High School, has been swimming competitively since the age of six.
“My parents put me on the YMCA Swim Team when I was six, and I have just liked it and stayed with it ever since,” he said.
Even as a freshman, Miller knows not to let his nerves get the best of him. In his first-ever college meet, he finished first place in the Men’s 200 yard IM as well as in the Men’s 100 yard Backstroke. Since then, Miller has come in first place 16 more times. For Miller, focus is the most important aspect of his success.
“When I’m competing, all I focus on is beating the guy next to me,” he said.
Miller’s simple, yet directed approach has worked wonders for him and the swim team as a whole. In his freshman year alone, Miller has already set a school and pool record in the Men’s 400 yard IM with a time of 4:23.59. He plans to break a few more records as well.
“I want to go 52.0 seconds in the 100 yard backstroke. I would also like to take down both the 200 and 400 individually medley records, as well as the 200 backstroke record. I also think our freshman class can take down most of the relay records by the end of our senior year if we keep working as hard as we have this season,” he said.
SUNY Oneonta’s swim team boasts 11 talented freshmen, with Miller being the most prominent. And as a freshman star, Miller keeps his success in perspective.
“I really feel like I have accomplished something with all the hard work I have put in to swimming throughout my life,” he said.
Miller’s freshman year will spawn many memories, but one in particular is special to him. At the North Country Invitational Meet in Potsdam, NY on the weekend of Nov. 20, Miller led his team to finish first place. Dominating the pool that weekend, the Oneonta men finished with 466 points. Second place Clarkson University finished with 427.5 points. However, what made this first-place win even more special was beating out Oneonta rivals, Buffalo State.
“The most memorable moment of the year for me is when we beat Buffalo State at the North Country Invite and started chanting ‘No More Dancing’ to Buffalo State,” he said.
If the Oneonta men can channel that confidence to the SUNYAC Championships, it will bode well for them, as they will enter the final meet of the season with a dual (swimming and diving) record of 3-6. The SUNYAC Championships will take place Feb. 10-13 at Erie Community College.
That could have been the fuel to the fire Monday night for their 62-51 win. The fuel to the fire which burned bright, creating 34 total points from the Oneonta Seniors Eastman (15), Broe (2) and Southerland (17). Dan Baker contributed to the pot with 15 and Bryce Wooden scored 9.
Apparently, Oneonta has some depth, and some hope for next season as well.
Oneonta has a rich seeded athletic heritage, and despite the recent blow they have been dealt with their professional team leaving, they will continue to support their tradition, their heritage, their Jackets.
Despite swirling accusations claiming the lack of fan support in the city, I have always been humbled about how this community as a whole gets behind their team. You put out a good product, and they are more than willing to indulge.
Oneonta High School is a competitive athletic program, and they are soundly rewarded by the community. With a gym packed, sometimes a team with a down record may be lifted up.
Sometimes, the little things make a difference.
Locals
2-5-10
Stop by the UCCCA from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7 before the Superbowl and enjoy a bowl of chili at their 6th Annual Chili Bowl Cook-off. Eleven local chili makers will vie for the Fireman’s Choice and People’s Choice awards. Purchase a handmade ceramic bowl at the door (they start at $20) and make your way around Wilber Mansion tasting chilis, listening to live music, and sampling Ommegang beers. UCCCA, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta.
CARNIVAL TIME: The Cooperstown Winter Carnival is Friday, Feb. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 7. See pages A6-7 for the schedule, or visit www.cooperstownwintercarnival.com for the full schedule of winter fun.
CARNIVAL TOO: A chili contest, Lioness bingo, a pitch tournament and trapshoot are featured Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Richfield Springs Lions Club’s 38th winter carnival. Or take in the pancake breakfast Sunday. Details, http://carnival.richfieldsprings.net for times and locations.
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS:
At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 band Ollabelle – they’ve been praised by Elvis Costello – will play at The Otesaga, part of the Cooperstown Concert Series. Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to their beautiful music.
GET WARM DANCING:
At 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, the Otsego Dance Society will hold a contradance featuring Sandra Peevers on guitar and Erik House on fiddle at the Prebyterian Church in Cooperstown. Suggested donation is $8 for adults, $4 for students and teen-agers and free for children 12 and under. Info: (607) 965-8232
GALLERY OPENING: From 4 to 8 p.m. B. Sharp Gallery will host an opening at 736 State Hwy 28 South on Franklin Mountain, featuring Michael Price’s “Woodland Fantasy,” Erica Pollock’s “City Air” and Kylee Jensen’s “City Scapes.”
Stop by the UCCCA from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7 before the Superbowl and enjoy a bowl of chili at their 6th Annual Chili Bowl Cook-off. Eleven local chili makers will vie for the Fireman’s Choice and People’s Choice awards. Purchase a handmade ceramic bowl at the door (they start at $20) and make your way around Wilber Mansion tasting chilis, listening to live music, and sampling Ommegang beers. UCCCA, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta.
CARNIVAL TIME: The Cooperstown Winter Carnival is Friday, Feb. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 7. See pages A6-7 for the schedule, or visit www.cooperstownwintercarnival.com for the full schedule of winter fun.
CARNIVAL TOO: A chili contest, Lioness bingo, a pitch tournament and trapshoot are featured Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Richfield Springs Lions Club’s 38th winter carnival. Or take in the pancake breakfast Sunday. Details, http://carnival.richfieldsprings.net for times and locations.
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS:
At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 band Ollabelle – they’ve been praised by Elvis Costello – will play at The Otesaga, part of the Cooperstown Concert Series. Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to their beautiful music.
GET WARM DANCING:
At 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, the Otsego Dance Society will hold a contradance featuring Sandra Peevers on guitar and Erik House on fiddle at the Prebyterian Church in Cooperstown. Suggested donation is $8 for adults, $4 for students and teen-agers and free for children 12 and under. Info: (607) 965-8232
GALLERY OPENING: From 4 to 8 p.m. B. Sharp Gallery will host an opening at 736 State Hwy 28 South on Franklin Mountain, featuring Michael Price’s “Woodland Fantasy,” Erica Pollock’s “City Air” and Kylee Jensen’s “City Scapes.”
Opera
2-5-10
Opera? Yes, Otsego County has opera. And chamber music. And the Cooperstown and Oneonta concert series, that bring in everything from Irish Dancers to Balinese gamelan.
But rock ‘n’ roll? Not much, particularly in the summers when SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College are out.
That is likely to change, perhaps as soon as next summer, the result of a partnership between Tom Cormier of Burlington Flats, new owner of the Oneonta Theatre on lower Chestnut Street, and Jon Weiss, a rock promoter from New York City who has lived in Franklin for the past half-dozen years.
You may be unfamilar with the Indie band “Arcade Fire,” or “Arctic Monkeys” – its first hit, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” – and “Clap Your Hands And Say Yeah.”
Well, you soon may get to know them.
It happened like this: Last summer, when Cormier’s purchase of the one-time vaudeville house – more recently, cinema – was in the news, Weiss, up on Franklin Mountain with wife Kitty, daughter Io, 9, and two German shepherds – read a news article about it.
The story resonated: Weiss had been promoting concerts since age 15, and had partnered in the development of Warsaw at The Polish National, a former ethnic club, as Brooklyn’s Green Point neighborhood developed into an arts community. He developed the Cavestomp Festival, an annual weekend celebration of ‘60s music.
“It reminded me a lot of my Brooklyn experience,” he said, adding that reviving a theater “comes with a lot of challenges, on many, many levels.”
He called Cormier, whose background was in satellite technology – his local company has the contract to install Hughesnet Satellite dishes in all of New York and all of Pennsylvania outside Philadelphia, up to 1,000 a week – and the combination of talents suggested a partnership would make sense.
Cormier – he moved to northern Otsego County 10 years ago and is raising three sons, David, 13, Josh, 11 and Jacob, 7, with wife Karen – had been looking for investment real estate in Oneonta when he stumbled upon the cinema.
“It’s very solid, and I spent a lot of time creeping around it before I bought it,” he said of the building. The three storefronts and six apartments convinced him he could make a go of it, whether or not the theater was redeveloped.
At the outset, Cormier partnered with the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre, a local citizens group headed by Patrice Macaluso, who chairs SUNY Oneonta’s theater department, that was trying to find a use that would save the cinema.
But Macaluso said that, as the Cormier-Weiss partnership developed, the Friends amicably stepped back.
Once the partners firm up plans, Macaluso said, the Friends may be able to screen vintage movies there, as planned, but for the time being its volunteer-driven mission wasn’t a comfortable fit with the profit-making venture.
The Oneonta has 677 seats; only the occasional “Titanic” fills that space. Since the Oneonta’s heyday, such movie palaces have been replaced with first-run venues of 150 seats in a complex of 8-9 theaters, Cormier said.
He praised the help he’s received from the Friends, but said, “You have to have diverse use of the building. You have to have diverse programming. Just being a movie theater didn’t make sense.”
Not just programming, but audiences, the partners said in an interview in the Oneonta’s lobby the other day: Not just college students, but local folks, baseball-camp families visiting in the summer, and families like theirs.
Bands like to have tonight’s gig within three hours or so of tomorrow night’s. The Oneonta is ideal in this way, Weiss said, located as it is within a sphere that includes New York City, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Binghamton and Scranton.
Weiss sees a demand for live music beyond rock – country western, folk and, to a lesser degree, jazz, as well as movies and theater.
Walking through the yawning interior space, Cormier pointed to the pillared walls and high ceilings – all that will remain. The original orchestra pit, hidden for years, is now being reopened. The wall that separated the stage from the audience was one of the first things to go.
Looking skyward toward where the balcony used to be – it was closed in by a former owner to create a second, smaller screening room – Cormier said that will be removed to restore the theater to its full glory, just not yet.
Removable seats will be installed in the first 30 rows, concert attendees, as it their wont, can enjoy the music on their feet.
The theater is surrounded by commercial uses – Key Bank at Chestnut and Main, professional offices to the west, the Armory behind, so any noise impact should be minimal.
However, the partners pointed out they are both “family men,” and said they will be sensitive to any community concerns.
“We don’t just want to be tolerated,” said Weiss, “we want to be liked.”
Opera? Yes, Otsego County has opera. And chamber music. And the Cooperstown and Oneonta concert series, that bring in everything from Irish Dancers to Balinese gamelan.
But rock ‘n’ roll? Not much, particularly in the summers when SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College are out.
That is likely to change, perhaps as soon as next summer, the result of a partnership between Tom Cormier of Burlington Flats, new owner of the Oneonta Theatre on lower Chestnut Street, and Jon Weiss, a rock promoter from New York City who has lived in Franklin for the past half-dozen years.
You may be unfamilar with the Indie band “Arcade Fire,” or “Arctic Monkeys” – its first hit, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” – and “Clap Your Hands And Say Yeah.”
Well, you soon may get to know them.
It happened like this: Last summer, when Cormier’s purchase of the one-time vaudeville house – more recently, cinema – was in the news, Weiss, up on Franklin Mountain with wife Kitty, daughter Io, 9, and two German shepherds – read a news article about it.
The story resonated: Weiss had been promoting concerts since age 15, and had partnered in the development of Warsaw at The Polish National, a former ethnic club, as Brooklyn’s Green Point neighborhood developed into an arts community. He developed the Cavestomp Festival, an annual weekend celebration of ‘60s music.
“It reminded me a lot of my Brooklyn experience,” he said, adding that reviving a theater “comes with a lot of challenges, on many, many levels.”
He called Cormier, whose background was in satellite technology – his local company has the contract to install Hughesnet Satellite dishes in all of New York and all of Pennsylvania outside Philadelphia, up to 1,000 a week – and the combination of talents suggested a partnership would make sense.
Cormier – he moved to northern Otsego County 10 years ago and is raising three sons, David, 13, Josh, 11 and Jacob, 7, with wife Karen – had been looking for investment real estate in Oneonta when he stumbled upon the cinema.
“It’s very solid, and I spent a lot of time creeping around it before I bought it,” he said of the building. The three storefronts and six apartments convinced him he could make a go of it, whether or not the theater was redeveloped.
At the outset, Cormier partnered with the Friends of the Oneonta Theatre, a local citizens group headed by Patrice Macaluso, who chairs SUNY Oneonta’s theater department, that was trying to find a use that would save the cinema.
But Macaluso said that, as the Cormier-Weiss partnership developed, the Friends amicably stepped back.
Once the partners firm up plans, Macaluso said, the Friends may be able to screen vintage movies there, as planned, but for the time being its volunteer-driven mission wasn’t a comfortable fit with the profit-making venture.
The Oneonta has 677 seats; only the occasional “Titanic” fills that space. Since the Oneonta’s heyday, such movie palaces have been replaced with first-run venues of 150 seats in a complex of 8-9 theaters, Cormier said.
He praised the help he’s received from the Friends, but said, “You have to have diverse use of the building. You have to have diverse programming. Just being a movie theater didn’t make sense.”
Not just programming, but audiences, the partners said in an interview in the Oneonta’s lobby the other day: Not just college students, but local folks, baseball-camp families visiting in the summer, and families like theirs.
Bands like to have tonight’s gig within three hours or so of tomorrow night’s. The Oneonta is ideal in this way, Weiss said, located as it is within a sphere that includes New York City, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Binghamton and Scranton.
Weiss sees a demand for live music beyond rock – country western, folk and, to a lesser degree, jazz, as well as movies and theater.
Walking through the yawning interior space, Cormier pointed to the pillared walls and high ceilings – all that will remain. The original orchestra pit, hidden for years, is now being reopened. The wall that separated the stage from the audience was one of the first things to go.
Looking skyward toward where the balcony used to be – it was closed in by a former owner to create a second, smaller screening room – Cormier said that will be removed to restore the theater to its full glory, just not yet.
Removable seats will be installed in the first 30 rows, concert attendees, as it their wont, can enjoy the music on their feet.
The theater is surrounded by commercial uses – Key Bank at Chestnut and Main, professional offices to the west, the Armory behind, so any noise impact should be minimal.
However, the partners pointed out they are both “family men,” and said they will be sensitive to any community concerns.
“We don’t just want to be tolerated,” said Weiss, “we want to be liked.”
Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
Congratulations Republican Party! Joe Booan is a great candidate and will bring common sense back to the Village of Cooperstown. Joe is a highly educated business manager. He not only understands what it takes to run a limited budget and make it work but he also understands what it takes to manage people.
In Joe’s position as one of the leaders of our BOCES program in Milford, he recognizes it takes a commitment to working with other members of the management team and also dealing with the problems of the village residents.
With only one year of public office under his belt, Joe Booan recognized immediately that our village was headed for disaster. Being run by an absentee mayor, allowing monies to be wasted, our village has been run by the appointed deputy mayor, and this has lead to much controversy.
It is time we put an experienced manager in charge of our village. Joe Booan is the man for this job.
Please vote for Joe Booan for mayor in our up-coming election. He can manage our money and our 100 employee staff.
TED HARGROVE
Cooperstown
2-5-10
To the Editor:
Jeff Katz is my choice to provide the team leadership for the Village of Cooperstown as we continue to creatively confront the challenges faced by communities across the country.
The special flavor of the village, so deeply treasured by its residents, provides its own unique agenda to maintain it both aesthetically, recreationally and financially.
We read, hear and witness a great deal about our eroding infrastructure ... the melding of our residential life among thousands of visitors ... the relatively small tax base ... our architectural charm and how to preserve its integrity in a manner that’s fair ... and the list goes on and on.
We also know the mayor cannot, and for that matter should not, single-handedly and personally tackle all these issues. Rather, I believe, the role of the mayor is to identify and recruit the talent needed (and talent is probably our number one asset in this Village) to strategically and sensitively offer solutions.
There are many individual agendas among our small, yet diverse community; this is great ... for starters. But it’s the unified and collective approach, teamed with a shared action plan that makes the positive difference. This is where the role of the Mayor facilitating such a process is crucial.
I’ve known Jeff almost since the first day he and his family moved to Cooperstown. He subscribes to life-long learning, researches and acutely knows the issues, solicits opinions, rallies the workforce, builds the network, is punctual and deeply cares about Cooperstown.
Jeff excels in balancing his Village government commitments, personal community involvement, and family well being.
He is particularly fortunate, as deputy mayor, to be working in a bipartisanism relationship with Mayor Carol Waller where the agenda is what’s most beneficial for the Village of Cooperstown.
He garners first hand knowledge of the myriad of day-to-day issues that need to be addressed, including the tough decisions that do not always result in winning points for a popularity contest.
I’m voting for Jeff – a dependable friend, caring resident, devoted husband and father, community volunteer, quiet, yet effective leader, resilient demeanor, global thinker and oh yeah, knows he cannot – and should not – do the job alone.
RICH McCAFFERY
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
I just signed up to support the Earth Hour 2010 campaign and I’d like to invite you to join me. Visit https://www.myearthhour.org for details.
Earth Hour was conceived by the World Wildlife Fund, and represents the global call to action on climate change. The more people that pledge to turn off their lights for Earth Hour, the more influence we will have.
Nearly one billion people around the world turned off their lights for Earth Hour 2009 and we can help make the next one even bigger.
Through the flick of a light switch at 8:30 p.m.Saturday, March 27, we’ll be casting our vote for action on one of the most pressing issues facing our planet, sending a message to our local, national, and global leaders that the time to act is now.
Join the movement that the world and Otsego County Conservation Association have joined!
TIER FRENCH
Cooperstown
Congratulations Republican Party! Joe Booan is a great candidate and will bring common sense back to the Village of Cooperstown. Joe is a highly educated business manager. He not only understands what it takes to run a limited budget and make it work but he also understands what it takes to manage people.
In Joe’s position as one of the leaders of our BOCES program in Milford, he recognizes it takes a commitment to working with other members of the management team and also dealing with the problems of the village residents.
With only one year of public office under his belt, Joe Booan recognized immediately that our village was headed for disaster. Being run by an absentee mayor, allowing monies to be wasted, our village has been run by the appointed deputy mayor, and this has lead to much controversy.
It is time we put an experienced manager in charge of our village. Joe Booan is the man for this job.
Please vote for Joe Booan for mayor in our up-coming election. He can manage our money and our 100 employee staff.
TED HARGROVE
Cooperstown
2-5-10
To the Editor:
Jeff Katz is my choice to provide the team leadership for the Village of Cooperstown as we continue to creatively confront the challenges faced by communities across the country.
The special flavor of the village, so deeply treasured by its residents, provides its own unique agenda to maintain it both aesthetically, recreationally and financially.
We read, hear and witness a great deal about our eroding infrastructure ... the melding of our residential life among thousands of visitors ... the relatively small tax base ... our architectural charm and how to preserve its integrity in a manner that’s fair ... and the list goes on and on.
We also know the mayor cannot, and for that matter should not, single-handedly and personally tackle all these issues. Rather, I believe, the role of the mayor is to identify and recruit the talent needed (and talent is probably our number one asset in this Village) to strategically and sensitively offer solutions.
There are many individual agendas among our small, yet diverse community; this is great ... for starters. But it’s the unified and collective approach, teamed with a shared action plan that makes the positive difference. This is where the role of the Mayor facilitating such a process is crucial.
I’ve known Jeff almost since the first day he and his family moved to Cooperstown. He subscribes to life-long learning, researches and acutely knows the issues, solicits opinions, rallies the workforce, builds the network, is punctual and deeply cares about Cooperstown.
Jeff excels in balancing his Village government commitments, personal community involvement, and family well being.
He is particularly fortunate, as deputy mayor, to be working in a bipartisanism relationship with Mayor Carol Waller where the agenda is what’s most beneficial for the Village of Cooperstown.
He garners first hand knowledge of the myriad of day-to-day issues that need to be addressed, including the tough decisions that do not always result in winning points for a popularity contest.
I’m voting for Jeff – a dependable friend, caring resident, devoted husband and father, community volunteer, quiet, yet effective leader, resilient demeanor, global thinker and oh yeah, knows he cannot – and should not – do the job alone.
RICH McCAFFERY
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
I just signed up to support the Earth Hour 2010 campaign and I’d like to invite you to join me. Visit https://www.myearthhour.org for details.
Earth Hour was conceived by the World Wildlife Fund, and represents the global call to action on climate change. The more people that pledge to turn off their lights for Earth Hour, the more influence we will have.
Nearly one billion people around the world turned off their lights for Earth Hour 2009 and we can help make the next one even bigger.
Through the flick of a light switch at 8:30 p.m.Saturday, March 27, we’ll be casting our vote for action on one of the most pressing issues facing our planet, sending a message to our local, national, and global leaders that the time to act is now.
Join the movement that the world and Otsego County Conservation Association have joined!
TIER FRENCH
Cooperstown
Toulson Family Finds Horseshoe Inside Ancient Tree At Lakefront
1-29-10
It was late afternoon on Friday, Jan. 22, and Mike Toulson and son Emerson had been scouting Lakefront Park in search of the “Golden Horseshoe.”
Where could it be? About to give up, Mike focused on an ancient tree on the east side of the parking lot at the top of the park, just off Lake Street.
Between two trunks that branched off, 7-8 feet above the ground, there appeared to be a hole, or at least the hint of a hole.
A long shot, thought the CCS math teacher, but why not?
Dad and son walked half a block to borrow a ladder from Martin Tillapaugh, mom Molly’s dad and Mike’s father-in-law.
Mike leaned it against the tree, climbed up and peered in, but couldn’t see anything. Gingerly, he stuck his hand, then his arm, into the dark hole, and into debris – wood chips, leaves – at the bottom.
Nothing yet. He pressed on, into the muck. Suddenly, he felt something, not wooden. A few more seconds rooting around, and Mike Poulson pulled the sought-after prize into the dwindling light.
By finding the horseshoe – object of the 44th annual Cooperstown Winter Carnival’s treasure hunt – the Toulson’s will win a $500 check, provided by The Freeman’s Journal & Richfield Springs NEWSPAPER, and its sister publication, Hometown Oneonta.
The check will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 – the three-day carnival’s last day – at closing ceremonies in Hoffman Lane Bistro.
It was late afternoon on Friday, Jan. 22, and Mike Toulson and son Emerson had been scouting Lakefront Park in search of the “Golden Horseshoe.”
Where could it be? About to give up, Mike focused on an ancient tree on the east side of the parking lot at the top of the park, just off Lake Street.
Between two trunks that branched off, 7-8 feet above the ground, there appeared to be a hole, or at least the hint of a hole.
A long shot, thought the CCS math teacher, but why not?
Dad and son walked half a block to borrow a ladder from Martin Tillapaugh, mom Molly’s dad and Mike’s father-in-law.
Mike leaned it against the tree, climbed up and peered in, but couldn’t see anything. Gingerly, he stuck his hand, then his arm, into the dark hole, and into debris – wood chips, leaves – at the bottom.
Nothing yet. He pressed on, into the muck. Suddenly, he felt something, not wooden. A few more seconds rooting around, and Mike Poulson pulled the sought-after prize into the dwindling light.
By finding the horseshoe – object of the 44th annual Cooperstown Winter Carnival’s treasure hunt – the Toulson’s will win a $500 check, provided by The Freeman’s Journal & Richfield Springs NEWSPAPER, and its sister publication, Hometown Oneonta.
The check will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 – the three-day carnival’s last day – at closing ceremonies in Hoffman Lane Bistro.
Tigers
1-29-10
One door closes, another opens.
The expected New York-Penn League announcement that the Oneonta Tigers are moving to Norwich, Conn., wasn’t due until Friday, Jan. 29.
But Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr., saying “it seems to me likely the Tigers will not be here this year,” was already looking ahead.
While emphasizing he’s heard “nothing official,” Miller – a heretofore Tigers’ season-ticket holder – said he’s determined there will be “some sort of organized baseball here this summer, because the community enjoys it.”
While avoiding specifics, he said there is independent professional league” and “a collegiate league” that very well might be interested in a park like Damaschke Field.
“I will be pursuing those options,” Miller said.
Certainly, he continued, American Legion and the older youth-baseball leagues would be interested in playing in the city’s park.
It surfaced in recent days that the eastern Connecticut city of Norwich, which had lost the Connecticut Defenders (formerly the Norwich Navigators) to Richmond, Va., in September, might have successfully lured the Tigers there.
E. Miles Prentice, a New York City lawyer, bought the Tigers last year from former mayor Sam Nader and his partner Sid Levine, promising to keep the team in Oneonta for at least two years, through the end of its contract.
“Last time I looked at the calendar,” said Rob Robinson, Otsego County Chamber president, “we hadn’t had our two years.”
While New York-Penn League president Ben Hayes had issued a “gag order” about anything associated with a prospective Tigers move, the Norwich Bulletin, the local paper there, was reporting a member of the Tigers’ “relocation team” had toured Dodd Stadium in recent days.
Norwich was the smallest market with a Double-A team, the newspaper said, but the Single-A Tigers would fit the city’s scale nicely.
Robinson called any decision to move the Tigers now “a slap at the community after all it did to make (the new owners) so welcome.”
For his part, the mayor called the economic impact minimal. He said he will ensure the city receives the $7,500 rent it has coming for this season, but beyond that “I don’t think it’s a big blow.”
Hartwick College had benefited from renting its rooms for players, and a local bus lines may have gotten some charter business, but that’s about it, he said.
One door closes, another opens.
The expected New York-Penn League announcement that the Oneonta Tigers are moving to Norwich, Conn., wasn’t due until Friday, Jan. 29.
But Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr., saying “it seems to me likely the Tigers will not be here this year,” was already looking ahead.
While emphasizing he’s heard “nothing official,” Miller – a heretofore Tigers’ season-ticket holder – said he’s determined there will be “some sort of organized baseball here this summer, because the community enjoys it.”
While avoiding specifics, he said there is independent professional league” and “a collegiate league” that very well might be interested in a park like Damaschke Field.
“I will be pursuing those options,” Miller said.
Certainly, he continued, American Legion and the older youth-baseball leagues would be interested in playing in the city’s park.
It surfaced in recent days that the eastern Connecticut city of Norwich, which had lost the Connecticut Defenders (formerly the Norwich Navigators) to Richmond, Va., in September, might have successfully lured the Tigers there.
E. Miles Prentice, a New York City lawyer, bought the Tigers last year from former mayor Sam Nader and his partner Sid Levine, promising to keep the team in Oneonta for at least two years, through the end of its contract.
“Last time I looked at the calendar,” said Rob Robinson, Otsego County Chamber president, “we hadn’t had our two years.”
While New York-Penn League president Ben Hayes had issued a “gag order” about anything associated with a prospective Tigers move, the Norwich Bulletin, the local paper there, was reporting a member of the Tigers’ “relocation team” had toured Dodd Stadium in recent days.
Norwich was the smallest market with a Double-A team, the newspaper said, but the Single-A Tigers would fit the city’s scale nicely.
Robinson called any decision to move the Tigers now “a slap at the community after all it did to make (the new owners) so welcome.”
For his part, the mayor called the economic impact minimal. He said he will ensure the city receives the $7,500 rent it has coming for this season, but beyond that “I don’t think it’s a big blow.”
Hartwick College had benefited from renting its rooms for players, and a local bus lines may have gotten some charter business, but that’s about it, he said.
Stallions
1-29-11
Last year, Del Anthony was handed a team with no home field and no steady roster of players. He had to scramble to find a field.
This year, if nothing else, would be “different from last,” the owner of the New York Stallions vowed.
And it’s certainly started that way, as 30 men showed up at the team’s information meeting Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Denny’s on the Southside to learn how to play football for the Oneonta team.
“This year we can create our own season. Last year we inherited a season,” Anthony told the players, some back from last year, some new.
With more time to prepare, interview coaches and find a home field, Anthony anticipates higher morale and a greater commitment to win.
Sure, someone pointed out at the team meeting, the Stallions lost all their scheduled Season One games – but they did not forfeit a single game became of a lack of players. And they scored three goals.
“We can be proud of that,” one of the returning players said.
This year, the Stallions will don new uniforms in blue and yellow. The team will provide players with insurance and a deal on memberships at the Muscles in Motion gym. Players will pay $300 in club dues, indicating a commitment to stick with it.
The hope is that with more requirements and more benefits, players will show up regularly for practices and games, a problem last season.
“Attendance and punctuality will matter this year, and playing time will depend on it,” Katie Pawlowski, head of team operations, told the interested players adding, “If you want to play football, you have to know football.”
Also included in the commitment to play this year, Anthony is requiring that all of his players participate in community service activities throughout the season and off-season. Since last season the stallions have already participated in a variety of community service activities including volunteering at Saturday’s Bread. Anthony is currently working with the Red Cross to organize something for the team to help Haiti.
“The community is coming to our games and sponsoring us, it’s the community that will make this team a success and we can’t expect to just take, we have to give back,” Anthony told the interested players.
Many details of the season are still in discussion such as coaches, home field and league, but Anthony feels confident that the team will start off on a better foot this year.
The team will likely play in a different league this year and not the Regional American Football League.
locals
1-29-10
NEW MANAGEMENT: John Henry Young, Jr., who has served as the Academy Director at Oneonta Job Corp Academy since June of 2008, finished his employment at the academy last week. Young has been involved with the Job Corps Program and community for over forty years and has been the director at eight different Job Corps Centers. Vailiida Niifa, executive director of Center Operations and Support, will serve as Interim Academy Director, effective January 22nd. Niifa is an experienced Job Corps professional and former center director.
NEW MANAGEMENT: John Henry Young, Jr., who has served as the Academy Director at Oneonta Job Corp Academy since June of 2008, finished his employment at the academy last week. Young has been involved with the Job Corps Program and community for over forty years and has been the director at eight different Job Corps Centers. Vailiida Niifa, executive director of Center Operations and Support, will serve as Interim Academy Director, effective January 22nd. Niifa is an experienced Job Corps professional and former center director.
CITY OF THE HILLS
1-29-10
BRESEE’S BRIEFING: Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr., is planning a full briefing for Common Council on the Bresee’s redevelopment project at the 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, meeting in council chambers.
HELPING JESSICA: Oneonta’s Jessica Dresser will be one of the beneficiaries of this year’s Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump, planned Saturday, Feb. 20. This Sunday, Jan. 31, 1-6 p.m. at Milford Central School, a Chinese auction will raise money for the event.
TO ACADEMY: Christopher Michaels, a CCS senior from Mount Vision, has been offered an appointment at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, has announced.
BEING KIND: Colleen Andrew’s second grade class at Center Street Elementary School is on a mission to spread the message of kindness towards others using Facebook. The class goal is to achieve 1 million “fans for kindness” on the social networking site. If you have Facebook, become a fan of “Mrs. Andrew’s 2nd Grade – Kindness Project.”
BRESEE’S BRIEFING: Mayor Richard P. Miller, Jr., is planning a full briefing for Common Council on the Bresee’s redevelopment project at the 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, meeting in council chambers.
HELPING JESSICA: Oneonta’s Jessica Dresser will be one of the beneficiaries of this year’s Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump, planned Saturday, Feb. 20. This Sunday, Jan. 31, 1-6 p.m. at Milford Central School, a Chinese auction will raise money for the event.
TO ACADEMY: Christopher Michaels, a CCS senior from Mount Vision, has been offered an appointment at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, has announced.
BEING KIND: Colleen Andrew’s second grade class at Center Street Elementary School is on a mission to spread the message of kindness towards others using Facebook. The class goal is to achieve 1 million “fans for kindness” on the social networking site. If you have Facebook, become a fan of “Mrs. Andrew’s 2nd Grade – Kindness Project.”
Letters to the Editor
1-29-10
What Is Patriotism?
To The Editor:
No, it’s not Columbus Day, nor Flag Day, nor Independence Day, nor Memorial Day, nor Patriot Day, nor Pearl Harbor Day, nor Presidents Day, nor
Veteran’s Day ... nor any other day that we celebrate which could come under the rubric of being particularly “patriotic.” If I’ve left any out, please excuse my ignorance; I apologize.
So what brings me here, during the early winter time, finding myself writing about that topic? I can’t recall exactly what inspired it, because it’s a topic my mind has long been focused on. However, a recent issue of an ACLU newsletter reached me and reinvigorated my need to push all sorts of practical matters aside to write about patriotism. (Hey, it’s more fun doing that than cleaning up my messy workshop.)
You see, there is this case, recently won by the New York ACLU on behalf of a man who attended a baseball game in NYC, who, at the time of the seventh-inning stretch, felt that he had to go to the men’s room to relieve himself. Well, that’s the time selected for the playing of “God Bless America,” and people are NOT ALLOWED to wander about or use the facilities at that time.
He had been prevented from entering the men’s room and when he insisted, two of “New York’s Finest” (so they’re called) not only physically prevented him from entering but hauled him away and ejected him from the ball park. The ACLU called this an act of “enforced patriotism.”
Well, although this tyrannical approach by the authorities in itself was reprehensible to me, I was also bothered by the ACLU calling this police action “enforced patriotism.” Enforced fascism, maybe, but not patriotism. What, pray tell, is patriotic about a song?
The Oneonta City public meetings start off with a pledge of allegiance, for some reason, as if allegiance to a flag (and what it stands for) has anything to do with the political machinations of the city board. And what does this public display of one’s supposed loyalty have to do with anything?
I once had business before the city board and when I knew the pledge was coming up, I conveniently went to the men’s room. Fortunately, there was no police presence there to prevent me from going in.
At the Town Of Oneonta’s board meetings, I didn’t use the lavatory as an escape mechanism since, after all, I am a town citizen and have full rights there.
I usually sat right down front, since I was more visible there, and when the time for the pledge came I just held my seat. Not only would I not make this meaningless pledge, but I wanted it to be a public issue.
Alas, Duncan Davie, then the town supervisor, never made it an open issue, and I had hoped that he would ... just as he had once made an issue of my wearing a baseball cap during a meeting (hey, this wasn’t a church!) while a woman at the meeting was wearing a hat and had been free from assault.
We argued the sexism of his ruling and I wasn’t going to remove my hat ... but when the woman voluntarily removed hers, I felt it was time to make peace, and back down; I had made my point.
I had asked a woman I know, who also was against this kind of public display of fealty, why she stood up for the pro forma pledge (which is just what it is, an empty form that everyone follows, similar to the “Heil Hitfer” in Nazi Germany).
She told me that she stood up but didn’t say anything. I said, “Yes, but everyone thinks that you’re saying the pledge; you need to make a non-verbal protest of this inanity.”
So, what’s the definition of patriotism? It means simply the love, support and defense of one’s nation. And how do we enact, make visible, this patriotism? Is it by singing some songs? Is it by taking a pledge saying that we are indivisible (just look at our Congress and see how divided this nation really is), and that there is liberty and justice for all? Ha ha! Do you really believe that justice is meted out to all equally?
IRWIN GOOEN
Emmons
HOMETOWN PEOPLE
1-29-11
Dr. William Ashbaugh, Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department at the SUNY College at Oneonta, has been awarded an international Fulbright Scholar grant to teach and conduct research in Kyoto, Japan.
As part of his assignment, Ashbaugh will teach courses on U.S. Foreign Relations and the Cold War through film to graduate students in the new Global Studies program at Doshisha University in Kyoto.
A recipient of the 2008 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, William Ashbaugh joined the SUNY Oneonta faculty in 2001. He holds a doctorate in history from Temple University and a master's in Asian history from San Diego State University.
Otsego County Chamber board officers for 2010 will include Mark Grygiel, of NYCM Insurance, as chair, Roxana Hulburt, ISD, as 1st vice-chair and Tanya Shalor, Publisher of The Daily Star, as 2nd vice-chair. Chamber President and CEO Rob Robinson will continue as secretary/treasurer.
New Directors for the Chamber include Carolyn Lewis, economic developer for Otsego County Economic Development, Nick Savin, district superintendent of ONC BOCES in Stamford, Steve Sinniger, Otsego County Farm Bureau, and Eric Jervis, Harlem and Jervis Law Office.
The chamber also thanks Peter Livshin, past chair and Rich Harlem for their two terms of service to the Board.
Dr. William Ashbaugh, Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department at the SUNY College at Oneonta, has been awarded an international Fulbright Scholar grant to teach and conduct research in Kyoto, Japan.
As part of his assignment, Ashbaugh will teach courses on U.S. Foreign Relations and the Cold War through film to graduate students in the new Global Studies program at Doshisha University in Kyoto.
A recipient of the 2008 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, William Ashbaugh joined the SUNY Oneonta faculty in 2001. He holds a doctorate in history from Temple University and a master's in Asian history from San Diego State University.
Otsego County Chamber board officers for 2010 will include Mark Grygiel, of NYCM Insurance, as chair, Roxana Hulburt, ISD, as 1st vice-chair and Tanya Shalor, Publisher of The Daily Star, as 2nd vice-chair. Chamber President and CEO Rob Robinson will continue as secretary/treasurer.
New Directors for the Chamber include Carolyn Lewis, economic developer for Otsego County Economic Development, Nick Savin, district superintendent of ONC BOCES in Stamford, Steve Sinniger, Otsego County Farm Bureau, and Eric Jervis, Harlem and Jervis Law Office.
The chamber also thanks Peter Livshin, past chair and Rich Harlem for their two terms of service to the Board.
Oneonta Schools Moved To Help Stricken Haitians
1-29-11
By LAURA COX
OHS’ French Club was selling Hershey Kisses and sending the proceeds to Haiti.
Sapphira Koerner, an adoptee from Haiti, was briefing her classmates at Greater Plains Elementary about her homeland.
And Valleyview Elementary pupils were posting “Hearts For Haiti” on the school’s wall to dramatize their solidarity with suffering youngsters on that Caribbean isle, where the death toll in the 7.0-magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12 may reach a quarter-million.
The tragedy spoke to students, as they read news reports in classes and watched the news. And school groups sprung to action to help raise money to for Haitian relief. Quickly, the efforts had raised $2,000, and they were just getting started.
At Greater Plains, the U.N. Ambassadors – each sixth grader learns about and represents a different country – headed up a school-wide fundraiser which launched just after the earthquake hit Haiti.
“We decided we wanted to make a difference,” said Michael Kleszczsewski, one of social-studies teacher Maria McMullen’s students.
“We went around to the classrooms and told them about what happened in Haiti and left a jar in each room. At the end of the week we collect the change and count it,” said Sapphira Koerner.
The goal was $500, but first-week collections topped $1,000.
By Monday, Jan. 25, the tally was $1,876.77, so the kids raised their goal to $2,000. The drive was due to end Friday, Jan. 29, and the money donated to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.
“They know we are doing something special,” McMullen said. “My goal is to teach them that the single most important thing is to help someone in need.”
At Oneonta High, “En bissou pour Haiti” – or “ A kiss for Haiti” – was collecting $1 per Hershey Kiss, and a paper Hershey Kiss would go up on the wall outside the auditorium to mark the progress.
The other day, $200 had been raised toward a $650 goal, one dollar for every student, said French Club advisor Janis Labroo. The fundraiser will continue into February.
At Valleyview Elementary , the “Hearts for Haiti” had similarities to the OHS drive. As money is donated, sixth-grade Safety Patrol members hang hearts on bulletin boards and in the library windows.
On their first day, Monday, Jan. 25 they had already raised $200, said Principal Walt Baskin.
Fliers were sent home with students announcing the fundraiser and on their first day, Monday, Jan. 25 they had already raised more than $200, said Principal Walt Baskin.
Donations are also accepted in the office throughout the day and the fundraiser will continue through the month of February, with the donations being given to the Salvation Army periodically as they are collected.
According to the Oneonta City School District website, students at Center Street School are also participating in the “Hearts for Haiti.”
Milford Central School’s annual Winterfest has been dedicated in part to Haiti relief efforts this year. The day long festival at the school features, a pancake breakfast, a chili cook off, rummage sale, entertainment, and badminton and volleyball tournament among other events. Part of their proceeds from the tournament entry fees will go to Haiti.
In addition to the Winterfest funds, the CIA/Interact student group which organizes the festival has organized a “Hats for Haiti” event.
Group advisor Jane O’Bryan explained how the fundraiser works, “Students and faculty are invited to wear a hat to school on Friday, Jan. 29, after making a one dollar donation to aid earthquake victims in Haiti.”
The funds raised from both Milford events will go to the American Red Cross.
We Must Take Care Of Us
1-29-11
All of a sudden, Mayor Dick Miller must feel a bit like Barack Obama inheriting 1.8 trillion deficit.
It’s more of a case, as the amended saying goes, of “stuff” happening. Or as Elbert Hubbard, our philosophical friend from western New York, had it: “Life is just one d----- thing after another.”
It’s like losing the trifecta, one fecta at a time.
We already knew the National Soccer Hall of Fame & Museum was in trouble. In recent weeks, soccer’s high priests have announced this year’s inductees, who will be entered into the Hall someplace, somewhere, somehow. Meanwhile, word on the street is the West Oneonta property is about to be sold.
Second, the Foothills Performing Arts Center hits a wall, as Albany decides to hang on to an anticipated $100,000 grant the center had anticipated. Then, the county Board of Representatives does the same with $25,000. (The recent exodus of Foothills staff may be a good thing; it gives the able board of directors a chance for a clean-sheet review.)
Then, it turns out in recent days that the Oneonta Tigers, which had pledged to stay at Damaschke Field through the 2010 season, may be scurrying off by the time you read this to vacant Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Conn. The only financial commitment to the city is $7,500 rent for the upcoming season.
Do you see a trend here?
Lessons? Here’s one: When the community allows local institutions to fall into out-of-town hands – the soccer hall, the Tigers – the community loses control. (Happily, Foothills is still firmly anchored in a local foundation.)
In truth, no one cares as much about Oneonta as Oneontans, (or, if you will, Otsego County as Otsego Countians.)
Edna St. Vincent Millay did Elbert Hubbard one better: “It’s not true that life is one d--- thing after another; it’s the same d--- thing over and over.”
That certainly seems to be the current case in Oneonta. But it doesn’t have to be. Let’s learn the lesson. Apply it. And move on.
We’re All In ‘It’ Together, But Tackling ‘It’ Differently
1-29-11
Spending a couple of days in Stamford underscores the inter-related nature of the towns in and around Otsego County today, historically and – more to the point – tomorrow.
To begin with a little inside baseball, it was interesting to discover that Simon Bolivar Champion of Bloomville, a hamlet between Stamford and Delhi, apprenticed in Cooperstown in the 1840s for John Prentiss, then publisher of The Freeman’s Journal, Hometown Oneonta’s sister.
He applied the lessons he learned to create the Bloomville Mirror, which he later moved to Stamford. It evolved into the Mirror-Recorder, and continued to publish into 1992.
This year alone, however, Stamford (and nearby Hobart, to a lesser degree), has obtained $3.5 million in state Main Street and Restore New York grants to renovate venerable, but deteriorating, downtown buildings.
While Hobart is getting only $500,000 of that, it’s enough to redo six buildings, including the former Delaware Valley Propane Co. plant, which will then house the Liberty Tree Book Store, expanded to 85,000 volumes.
Hobart is becoming ever-more successful as “Book Village of the Catskills” – a brand it’s been promoting for five years – but promoter Don Dales believes Liberty Tree’s expansion will hit “critical mass,” catapulting the tiny village into the book-selling stratosphere.
Brand-wise, Stamford is taking lessons from Hobart. Oneonta, which is undergoing a brand-building exercise now, could likewise benefit.
That tiny Hobart – it’s about the size of Schuyler Lake or Milford – can make big things happen means Cherry Valley, Springfield Center, Middlefield, Milford and Hartwick can as well.
When former mayor Anne Slatin pressed ahead with plans for a full-time police department regardless, Jacobs ran for mayor in March 2009 and defeated the incumbent.
There’s a question worth asking as the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department and Cooperstown village police press to expand: As costly local forces grow, does it simply mean state police will cut back their presence?
In other words, does more local money invested in police mean no greater police protection?
Mayor Jacobs would have an opinion or two on that.
As former Oneonta Mayor John S. Nader discovered with Bresee’s, private financing alone couldn’t make the project viable. The public piece – public investment, if you will – was needed.
(Delaware County’s Clark Foundation equivalents – the Robinson Broadhurst and O’Connor foundations – are in the thick of all this; could the Clark play a fuller role in community revitalization here?)
The Delaware Inn experience brings to mind the $7.5 million in public money obtained to make Bresee’s viable. It closed the gap, allowing a private developer to take on the project and make money.
Once complete, Bresee’s offices and apartments and the Delaware Inn’s conference center will be catalysts for the revival of their individual downtowns. It’s not Communism, but simply common sense.
One community’s thought-provoking ideas can inspire another. One community’s experience can show another community it’s on the right path.
Once a month during 2010, our reporters will be spending a day or two in a town in our region that most of us might not usually happen to visit. From the Stamford experiment, we can anticipate the rest will have a lot to share as well.
Spending a couple of days in Stamford underscores the inter-related nature of the towns in and around Otsego County today, historically and – more to the point – tomorrow.
To begin with a little inside baseball, it was interesting to discover that Simon Bolivar Champion of Bloomville, a hamlet between Stamford and Delhi, apprenticed in Cooperstown in the 1840s for John Prentiss, then publisher of The Freeman’s Journal, Hometown Oneonta’s sister.
He applied the lessons he learned to create the Bloomville Mirror, which he later moved to Stamford. It evolved into the Mirror-Recorder, and continued to publish into 1992.
•
Like many of our downtowns – with the exception of Cooperstown, perhaps – Stamford’s has been challenged in recent years: by the opening of I-88, by Scotch Valley Ski Resort’s bankruptcy and by the ease in getting to Oneonta just a few miles west on Route 23.This year alone, however, Stamford (and nearby Hobart, to a lesser degree), has obtained $3.5 million in state Main Street and Restore New York grants to renovate venerable, but deteriorating, downtown buildings.
While Hobart is getting only $500,000 of that, it’s enough to redo six buildings, including the former Delaware Valley Propane Co. plant, which will then house the Liberty Tree Book Store, expanded to 85,000 volumes.
Hobart is becoming ever-more successful as “Book Village of the Catskills” – a brand it’s been promoting for five years – but promoter Don Dales believes Liberty Tree’s expansion will hit “critical mass,” catapulting the tiny village into the book-selling stratosphere.
Brand-wise, Stamford is taking lessons from Hobart. Oneonta, which is undergoing a brand-building exercise now, could likewise benefit.
That tiny Hobart – it’s about the size of Schuyler Lake or Milford – can make big things happen means Cherry Valley, Springfield Center, Middlefield, Milford and Hartwick can as well.
•
Another lesson: attorney Mike Jacobs, believing Stamford’s population of 1,200 – Cooperstown has 1,900 – was too small to support a fulltime police department, was able to convince the powers-that-be in Albany to assign two more troopers to the area.When former mayor Anne Slatin pressed ahead with plans for a full-time police department regardless, Jacobs ran for mayor in March 2009 and defeated the incumbent.
There’s a question worth asking as the Otsego County Sheriff’s Department and Cooperstown village police press to expand: As costly local forces grow, does it simply mean state police will cut back their presence?
In other words, does more local money invested in police mean no greater police protection?
Mayor Jacobs would have an opinion or two on that.
•
Another quick one – we could go on and on – is the Catskill Watershed Corp.’s $2 million renovation of Stamford’s historic Delaware Inn.As former Oneonta Mayor John S. Nader discovered with Bresee’s, private financing alone couldn’t make the project viable. The public piece – public investment, if you will – was needed.
(Delaware County’s Clark Foundation equivalents – the Robinson Broadhurst and O’Connor foundations – are in the thick of all this; could the Clark play a fuller role in community revitalization here?)
The Delaware Inn experience brings to mind the $7.5 million in public money obtained to make Bresee’s viable. It closed the gap, allowing a private developer to take on the project and make money.
Once complete, Bresee’s offices and apartments and the Delaware Inn’s conference center will be catalysts for the revival of their individual downtowns. It’s not Communism, but simply common sense.
•
There’s an intrinsic logic to all of these projects – Eklund Farm Machinery’s owners are planning a processing plant for the Stamford area’s organically grown meat, an idea that would make sense across our rural region.One community’s thought-provoking ideas can inspire another. One community’s experience can show another community it’s on the right path.
Once a month during 2010, our reporters will be spending a day or two in a town in our region that most of us might not usually happen to visit. From the Stamford experiment, we can anticipate the rest will have a lot to share as well.
TOULSON
1-29-11
COOPERSTOWN
It was late afternoon on Friday, Jan. 22, and Mike Toulson and son Emerson had been scouting Lakefront Park in search of the “Golden Horseshoe.”
Where could it be? About to give up, Mike focused on an ancient tree on the east side of the parking lot at the top of the park, just off Lake Street.
Between two trunks that branched off, 7-8 feet above the ground, there appeared to be a hole, or at least the hint of a hole.
A long shot, thought the CCS math teacher, but why not?
Dad and son walked half a block to borrow a ladder from Martin Tillapaugh, mom Molly’s dad and Mike’s father-in-law.
Mike leaned it against the tree, climbed up and peered in, but couldn’t see anything. Gingerly, he stuck his hand, then his arm, into the dark hole, and into debris – wood chips, leaves – at the bottom.
Nothing yet. He pressed on, into the muck. Suddenly, he felt something, not wooden. A few more seconds rooting around, and Mike Poulson pulled the sought-after prize into the dwindling light.
By finding the horseshoe – object of the 44th annual Cooperstown Winter Carnival’s treasure hunt – the Toulson’s will win a $500 check, provided by The Freeman’s Journal & Richfield Springs NEWSPAPER, and its sister publication, Hometown Oneonta.
The check will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 – the three-day carnival’s last day – at closing ceremonies in Hoffman Lane Bistro.
COOPERSTOWN
It was late afternoon on Friday, Jan. 22, and Mike Toulson and son Emerson had been scouting Lakefront Park in search of the “Golden Horseshoe.”
Where could it be? About to give up, Mike focused on an ancient tree on the east side of the parking lot at the top of the park, just off Lake Street.
Between two trunks that branched off, 7-8 feet above the ground, there appeared to be a hole, or at least the hint of a hole.
A long shot, thought the CCS math teacher, but why not?
Dad and son walked half a block to borrow a ladder from Martin Tillapaugh, mom Molly’s dad and Mike’s father-in-law.
Mike leaned it against the tree, climbed up and peered in, but couldn’t see anything. Gingerly, he stuck his hand, then his arm, into the dark hole, and into debris – wood chips, leaves – at the bottom.
Nothing yet. He pressed on, into the muck. Suddenly, he felt something, not wooden. A few more seconds rooting around, and Mike Poulson pulled the sought-after prize into the dwindling light.
By finding the horseshoe – object of the 44th annual Cooperstown Winter Carnival’s treasure hunt – the Toulson’s will win a $500 check, provided by The Freeman’s Journal & Richfield Springs NEWSPAPER, and its sister publication, Hometown Oneonta.
The check will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 – the three-day carnival’s last day – at closing ceremonies in Hoffman Lane Bistro.
COOPERSTOWN AND AROUND:
1-29-11
Freeman’s Journal Now Available Earlier
Friends,
Beginning with the edition you hold in your hands, The Freeman’s Journal is shifting its publication day from Fridays to Thursdays.
That means it will be available on newstands Wednesday afternoons and should arrive in local subscribers’ mailboxes on Thursdays.
Our hope is this change will allow you to better plan your weekend activities via our “Happenin’ Otsego” calendar and related advertising.
This shifts our production schedule from Wednesday nights to Tuesday nights. If you can, plan on getting news and advertising copy to us by Mondays or first thing Tuesday mornings. However, as always, we continue to be flexible and will accommodate you to the degree possible. If you’re unsure about an insertion, call 547-6103.
We will continue to update our Web site 24/7 when news happens. Check www.thefreemansjournal.com and sign up to be alerted by e-mail when that happens.
Any inputs you may have on these changes are welcome. Call me at the above number or e-mail jimk@thefreemansjournal.com
JIM KEVLIN
Editor & Publisher
TO ACADEMY: Christopher Michaels, a CCS senior from Mount Vision, has been offered an appointment at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, has announced.
CONGRESS RACE: Republican Richard Hanna of Cooperstown and Barnevelt, who was narrowly defeated in his 2008 race against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, has announced he plans to run again this year. The election is in November.
ROTH JAMS: Arlen Roth, world-renown guitarist and investor in the prospective Guitar Hall of Fame, jammed for 90 minutes Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Hoffman Lane Bistro. He was in town as a judge of the first annual Choir Challenge at The Otesaga.
PUBLIC INPUT: The Coopertown Central school board’s Public Relations Committee has scheduled a second “You Have Our Ear” session at the end of its Wednesday, Feb. 3, meeting at the middle/high school cafeteria. The topic is “Possibilities for District Collaboration: Maximizing Services While Saving Money.” BOCES Superintendent Nick Savin will attend.
Freeman’s Journal Now Available Earlier
Friends,
Beginning with the edition you hold in your hands, The Freeman’s Journal is shifting its publication day from Fridays to Thursdays.
That means it will be available on newstands Wednesday afternoons and should arrive in local subscribers’ mailboxes on Thursdays.
Our hope is this change will allow you to better plan your weekend activities via our “Happenin’ Otsego” calendar and related advertising.
This shifts our production schedule from Wednesday nights to Tuesday nights. If you can, plan on getting news and advertising copy to us by Mondays or first thing Tuesday mornings. However, as always, we continue to be flexible and will accommodate you to the degree possible. If you’re unsure about an insertion, call 547-6103.
We will continue to update our Web site 24/7 when news happens. Check www.thefreemansjournal.com and sign up to be alerted by e-mail when that happens.
Any inputs you may have on these changes are welcome. Call me at the above number or e-mail jimk@thefreemansjournal.com
JIM KEVLIN
Editor & Publisher
TO ACADEMY: Christopher Michaels, a CCS senior from Mount Vision, has been offered an appointment at the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, has announced.
CONGRESS RACE: Republican Richard Hanna of Cooperstown and Barnevelt, who was narrowly defeated in his 2008 race against incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Arcuri, D-24, has announced he plans to run again this year. The election is in November.
ROTH JAMS: Arlen Roth, world-renown guitarist and investor in the prospective Guitar Hall of Fame, jammed for 90 minutes Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Hoffman Lane Bistro. He was in town as a judge of the first annual Choir Challenge at The Otesaga.
PUBLIC INPUT: The Coopertown Central school board’s Public Relations Committee has scheduled a second “You Have Our Ear” session at the end of its Wednesday, Feb. 3, meeting at the middle/high school cafeteria. The topic is “Possibilities for District Collaboration: Maximizing Services While Saving Money.” BOCES Superintendent Nick Savin will attend.
LOCALS
1-29-11
Mark Grygiel, assistant vice president at New York Central Mutual Insurance, Edmeston, is new chairman of the Otsego County Chamber.
New directors are Carolyn Lewis, Cooperstown, the county’s economic developer; Nick Savin, Springfield Center, BOCES superintendent; Steve Sinniger, Otego, county Farm Bureau, and attorney Eric Jervis, Oneonta.
RICHFIELD SPRINGS
Alex Shields, the Oneonta native and retired county representative from Richfield Springs, has been reappointed to the MOSA board he served on in the 1990s.
The county Board of Representatives made the appointment at its reorganizational meeting Wednesday, Jan. 20.
He replaces Martha Clarvoe of Hartwick.
Shields rejoins the MOSA board – his first meeting was Tuesday, Jan. 28 – at a critical time: With the three-county solid-waste contract due to expire in 2014, the member counties are considering dismantling the authority and finding another garbage disposal option.
Susan Ethington, Springfield Presbyterian Church organist, will directed an area choir now being formed in the Easter cantata, “Forsaken.”
Singers are now being sought for the performance, planned Palm Sunday afternoon, March 28, at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School.
Anyone interested in singing is invited to the first rehearsal at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Cherry Valley Methodist Church. All future rehearsal dates will be decided that evening.
For details, call Mrs. Ethington, 264-3000, or organist Irene Fassett, 264-3795.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
1-29-11
To the Editor:
The residents of Cooperstown will have to make a choice when they vote for mayor for the first time in over a decade and a half. After years of a Union Ticket followed by unopposed mayoral candidates, Trustees Jeff Katz and Joe Booan are facing off this March.
Jeff Katz and I have been friends for eight years. I know he has all the fine qualities one has a right to expect from any public servant: smart, sincere, honest, hard working, fair, considerate, dependable and loyal.
Jeff is a solid family man, devoted husband and father, with great moral conviction. While I have not known Joe as long, he clearly has outstanding talent. I supported Joe for trustee and believe over the last nine months he has worked hard for Cooperstown, a place he deeply loves.
And for me, the deciding difference between the two men is length of experience in office. Jeff Katz has worked hard for the village over the last five years, bringing in desperately needed new revenue through concerts, pay and display machines, and fees at Doubleday Field. Jeff has increased the reserves for both our volunteer fire department and our beautiful village parks.
I am convinced that as mayor, Jeff Katz will work tirelessly on behalf of all of us and deserves your vote as well as mine.
PAUL T. KUHN
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
Annual reports by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Friends of Music and Art (FOMA) Sports Boosters and Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education (CFEE) were presented to the school board at our Jan. 13 meeting.
These should not go unrecognized. Cooperstown schools are very fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and generous residents who keep their respective school-related organizations active and productive. A full array of activities and events they sponsored over the past year for students and residents was truly impressive.
New audio equipment, summer music camp scholarships, after school tutoring, guest writers and performers, sponsorship of clubs and the CCS Quiz Team, Kid Garden, a new Entrepreneur Club, concession stands for sports event, the annual All Sports Banquet, and Cabaret Night are examples from a list too long to include here. These
groups bring enrichment to students through enhancements for basic academics, support of art and music activities, and extra curricular opportunities. And all are done through the spark of volunteerism and donations from people and businesses in our community.
TONY SCALICI
President
& CCS School Board
To the Editor:
While the 22 Main St. Committee appreciates the interest of The Freeman’s Journal in this important community project, it is possible readers may receive the impression from the Jan. 22 editorial that little progress was made at the meeting held at the village hall recently.
In fact, members of the committee were gratified at the level of participation, the support of the village trustees and the mayor, the interest of numerous members of the community and, in particular, the prospect of collaboration with The Friends of the Library.
The 22 Main project will require broad-based community support and the committee welcomes participation and input from one and all.
AMANDA MAY
22 Main Restoration
Committee Member
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
The residents of Cooperstown will have to make a choice when they vote for mayor for the first time in over a decade and a half. After years of a Union Ticket followed by unopposed mayoral candidates, Trustees Jeff Katz and Joe Booan are facing off this March.
Jeff Katz and I have been friends for eight years. I know he has all the fine qualities one has a right to expect from any public servant: smart, sincere, honest, hard working, fair, considerate, dependable and loyal.
Jeff is a solid family man, devoted husband and father, with great moral conviction. While I have not known Joe as long, he clearly has outstanding talent. I supported Joe for trustee and believe over the last nine months he has worked hard for Cooperstown, a place he deeply loves.
And for me, the deciding difference between the two men is length of experience in office. Jeff Katz has worked hard for the village over the last five years, bringing in desperately needed new revenue through concerts, pay and display machines, and fees at Doubleday Field. Jeff has increased the reserves for both our volunteer fire department and our beautiful village parks.
I am convinced that as mayor, Jeff Katz will work tirelessly on behalf of all of us and deserves your vote as well as mine.
PAUL T. KUHN
Cooperstown
To the Editor:
Annual reports by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Friends of Music and Art (FOMA) Sports Boosters and Cooperstown Foundation for Excellence in Education (CFEE) were presented to the school board at our Jan. 13 meeting.
These should not go unrecognized. Cooperstown schools are very fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and generous residents who keep their respective school-related organizations active and productive. A full array of activities and events they sponsored over the past year for students and residents was truly impressive.
New audio equipment, summer music camp scholarships, after school tutoring, guest writers and performers, sponsorship of clubs and the CCS Quiz Team, Kid Garden, a new Entrepreneur Club, concession stands for sports event, the annual All Sports Banquet, and Cabaret Night are examples from a list too long to include here. These
groups bring enrichment to students through enhancements for basic academics, support of art and music activities, and extra curricular opportunities. And all are done through the spark of volunteerism and donations from people and businesses in our community.
TONY SCALICI
President
& CCS School Board
To the Editor:
While the 22 Main St. Committee appreciates the interest of The Freeman’s Journal in this important community project, it is possible readers may receive the impression from the Jan. 22 editorial that little progress was made at the meeting held at the village hall recently.
In fact, members of the committee were gratified at the level of participation, the support of the village trustees and the mayor, the interest of numerous members of the community and, in particular, the prospect of collaboration with The Friends of the Library.
The 22 Main project will require broad-based community support and the committee welcomes participation and input from one and all.
AMANDA MAY
22 Main Restoration
Committee Member
Cooperstown
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